Cybersecurity Tips for Consumers

Do your part in securing cyberspace. Take steps in ensuring a healthier personal computer by screening your computer for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other bugs-and then take steps to keep intruders out.

To protect your self online:

1. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.

2. Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.

3. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If you must, always save
the file to your hard drive before doing so.

4. Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.

5. Do not download any files from strangers.

6. Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software such as McAfee VirusScan.

7. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be up-to-date with your protection.

8. Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your files, one that is preferably not on your computer.

9. Use a personal firewall on your PC so you know what traffic is going into and out of your system.

10. Check with your product vendors for updates which include those for your operating system web browser, and email . One example is the security site section of Microsoft located at http://www.microsoft.com/security.