Basic steps to secure your computer

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These are the first line of defense.

Be aware of risk.

• You and your computer are at risk on the Internet.
  
• Your computer may be targeted by Malware (MALicious softWARE), information you send over the Internet may be intercepted, and your computer can be hijacked for use by a third party.
• You may be the target of attempts to obtain sensitive information by fraudulent means. Things are not always what they seem. Phishing is a type of this kind of activity.
  
• Don't open emails or download files or put disks, CDs, flashdrives into your computer unless you know they are virus free.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you don't know what it is, get rid of it.
  

Create strong passwords

• Make it at least 8 or more characters long.
• Use both numbers and letters.
• Use upper and lower case.
• Use symbols.
• make it memorable.
• Check the strength of your password here.

Keep your computer updated.

• This means the Operating System. If you are connected to the Internet, enable automatic updates.
  

Security Software

• Firewall - hardware or software.
  
• Anti-virus, anti-spyware (adware) software. Often these are all in one product.

Additional resources:

• eHow article
• Computer Hope.com Security questions and answers
• Cyber Security Tips from U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team