Welcome to Security Steps, the largest area of our site that offers self defence tips for the internet. We can’t tell you what to do with your computer, but If you have the knowledge, you’ll hopefully feel like you have to secure your computer. We started off with absolutely no knowledge at all which made us want knowledge on the subject. We got knowledge and this website is to show for it. You could also visit the security site of the company that makes your operating system. If you use a Windows computer visit the Microsoft Security Site or If you use a Mac computer visit the Apple Security Site. We will also show you which programs to choose and the best thing is, it won’t cost you a penny! Sadly, nearly all of the programs we have reviewed only work on Microsoft Windows computers and all of our workshops are aimed at users of Windows computers. This is because we only have a Windows computers. Don’t worry though, users of other operating systems can still use all the security tips we provide.

Top Ten Tips

1. Make sure you are running a good antivirus program. Antivirus programs are very important for a variety of reasons that you can learn about at our Antivirus Page. You can see reviews for antivirus programs at I Security Labs.

2. Use an Internet Firewall. Without a firewall, anybody could steal details from your computer without your knowledge. More information can be found at our Firewall page. You can find a reviewed firewall at I Security Labs

3. Use a Spyware Detection Program to clean malicious spyware from your system. Spyware is one of the most common problems we face in the internet age. Spyware is intrusive, annoying and sometimes can be very dangerous. Learn more about Spyware at our Anti Spyware page. After you’ve taken a look at the risks that face you, take a look at our products review page at I Security Labs.

4. Update everything you have on your computer. Drivers, Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewall and Operating System should all be updated. For more information about updating your software, visit Update It!

5. Change your passwords regularly (we recommend monthly). Make sure that your passwords are secure and not simple things such as pets names, partners names, etc. See Other Things for more info.

6. Use Antispam software to get rid of your junk email or check to see if your ISP has any Antispam filters or rules in place. If they don’t you can sign up for a free Hotmail or Yahoo Mail account with Junk Mail filters. For more information on Antispam, visit Other Things or to see some Anti-Spam programs visit I Security Labs.

7. Don’t open attachments from unknown senders, DELETE them straight away. Viruses and Worms can also pretend to be a trusted sender, so please check with the sender before running an attachment.

8. Test your software monthly to check that it is doing its job properly. Use some of our online tools at Scan Online.

9. The greatest security tool you have when your on your own surfing the internet is your own brain. Think about things before you do them. Think about which files to download, think about the layout of the site your about to buy from and read there privacy policies to see if there software contains spyware. Don’t be fooled be fraudulent emails (See our Recovery page for tips to prevent fraud).

10. Run monthly maintenance’s such as deleting temporary internet files, cookies and running scans with all your antispyware and antivirus software.

Although we may sound paranoid its nicer to be safe with protection and peace of mind rather than without protection and worry. Its not paranoid, its what every safe internet user does. I know its bad having to protect your own computer because of malicious people such as virus writers and hackers and advertising companies. In the future, if every internet user is protected from these, viruses will die out. Some may find new ways to cause havoc, but the big security companies hard at work each day will come up with a solution. All you have to do is keep on top of things. The Internet is made to be a fun experience so claim back your fun by protecting yourself!

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