The following list is a quick guide for recommended best practices. This is not an exhaustive list but it should serve as a helpful guide for the majority of users.
- Restart your computer at least once per week.
- Verify your antivirus protection remains current.
- Verify your Windows Updates remains current.
- Semi-annually or annually update your antivirus software to the most recent version. (This depends on the software vendor)
- Do not use older software or operating systems that no longer receive product or security updates. (Example: Office 2003, Office 2007, older Quickbooks versions, older Word Perfect versions, Windows XP, etc)
- Do not open suspicious emails.
- Be cautious of clicking on links within emails.
- If you suspect a virus, run a full system scan and contact IT support.
- Do not send confidential information over email.
- Do not allow any unknown person to initiate contact and then access your system remotely.
- Avoid downloading screen savers, games, and coupons.
- Do not connect to an unknown wireless network.
- Subscribe to a spam filter for high spam volume.
- Verify the identity of any onsite service technicians (phone company, cable company, IT Services, etc)
- Verify your system is backed up regularly.
- Backup your system using backup programs that enable returning to prior versions instead of simply *copying and pasting*. (This protects against data loss from recent encryption viruses that render data inaccessible without a ransom payment)
- Use multiple backup solutions. (Both online and external hard drives)
- Do not share passwords.
- On a computer system that is compromised, it is recommended to change all passwords immediately, especially if used for checking financial websites. (This is for acting out of an abundance of caution)