Evaluate your software, email and browser security settings

 The default settings of most software enables all available functionality

 Apply the highest level of security that still gives you the functionality you require

 Take care with the use of your email address and where you post personal or company information

   Keep your software up to date and uninstall unused software

 Install software patches to keep your software up to date

 Many operating systems use automatic updates. If this option is available, turn it on

 Remove unused software from you computer

   Backup your data and protect against power surges

 Backup regularly, since data can be lost or compromised

 Backups help identify what has been lost or changed

 Secure the backups and ensure that backup copies are keep at alternative sites

 Use power strips to help protect your computer or network against power surges

 Consider implementing an uninterruptible power supply, which will give greater protection against power surges and outages