Advice March 2020

Computer Safety on the Internet

We are at home now, either working from home or just homebound for other reasons. What are we doing to keep from going crazy? We are surfing the internet, we are on FaceBook, we are working from home and we are doing a lot of video conferencing. What does all of this have in common? The internet and your computer.  I want everyone to make sure they are safe while on the internet. I have put together a list of a few things you need to do to protect yourself as you use the internet.

1: Make sure you have a virus protection software on your computer and make sure it is up to date. It needs to include: Antivirus protection, Antispam protection, Antiphishing protection and firewall protection at a minimum. There are several products out there that will work for you. Norton, Webroot, Bitdefender, McAfee and Kapersky to just name a few.

2: Surf the internet safely. Many of us are going to get bored at home and are going to browse places we do not normally go. Be careful of Popups. Be weary of links from one site to another. If you must download software, make sure it is from a safe site and one you trust. Many times, you may need a software driver, make sure it is from the site of the manufacture and not one of these “Driver Sites” for example.

3: Make sure to keep your computer operating system up to date. If you are still running Windows 7, you need to upgrade to Windows 10. There are several ways to do it and it needs to be a priority if you are on the internet a lot as they are no longer sending out updates for Windows 7.

4: When in doubt on the internet, close the page. If a website pops up and says you have a virus and wants you to call a number or click on something to help clean your computer, DO NOT DO THAT!!! It is a scam and bad things will happen if you do what they ask. When in doubt call your IT professional for advice.

5: Back everything you believe is important up. Many of the Antivirus software programs have a backup option. Please use it and back things up. Get an external hard drive and back things up to that drive and then disconnect it from your computer.

6: If you have questions contact an IT professional. They will advise you on best practices and make can sure everything is safe for you.

7: When all this craziness is over and we are back to our normal lives, continue these practices. The internet is still a crazy place that can get you in trouble with just one wrong click. Remember that a good IT professional is looking out for your best interest at your home and business.

8: If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We are here to help and want everyone to be safe.

 

Thank you and be safe,

Richard Oltmann

Principal Consultant / CIO

Blue Sky Technologies LLC.

Mobile (918)-284-9598

Office (918) 991-8060

http://blueskytechok.com

roltmann@blueskytechok.com

 “Let’s get together and talk”

<< Back to Advice