Top Ten Tips to Protect Your Personal Information and Identity 

Every time you go online, you enter a world of potential danger for your computer. Without the proper protection and knowledge, your computer may become susceptible to identity theft, spam, spyware, phishing scams, and Trojan horses. By simply using software like Instant Messaging, you can often communicate personal information to would-be criminals. By not having online protection, you risk having this personal information and possibly your identity stolen. As a result, there are several different ways to protect your computer against hackers. Follow these top ten tips to protect yourself and your computer:

1. Use multi-faceted security software to protect your computer: Norton can protect your computer from viruses, spyware, adware, hackers, unwanted emails, phishing scams, and identity theft. Look for comprehensive, multi-faceted PC security software that protects you.  

2. Using firewalls every time you access the Internet can protect your computer: A firewall helps keep your computer safe by adding a security layer between your PC and the Internet. It also stops hackers from stealing your identity, destroying files, or using your computer to attack other computers.

3. Only use a PC that you know is secure: Unsecured computers are easy prey for hackers. If you need to send important personal information online, make sure the PC is secured. Some computers only have the bare minimum while others, like those with Norton Total Protection.

4. Phishing: Be aware of the threats to your computer. Phishing scams pretend to be a trusted online source - such as a bank or other financial institution - and ask that you send in your password. As a result, many people, thinking that the website is completely legitimate, give up there personal information quite easily. Always, verify web addresses before submitting your personal information.

5. Make sure your wireless network is secure. Online hackers can easily access your personal information from miles away to steal your information and use your wireless network for their own communication. Always use extra security when dealing with wireless Internet.

6. Never install unwanted programs onto your computer, it may contain spyware or adware on your PC. Although many of these programs appear harmless, many of the free online sites are designed to install malware and track your personal information. Always be careful when installing any program from any site.

7. Chain Mail is dangerous and full of viruses, never open them: Only download or read e-mails from those sources you identify as trustworthy. Unless you are completely sure about the content of the e-mail, never download anything.

8. Monitor your credit , and report and irregularities: Always check your credit history. You may not know it, but you could have become a victim of identity theft and not even known it. Visit the Gateway support site for the latest tips to keeping your computer safety or the Federal Trade Commission's site to keep abreast of the latest trends in identify theft.

9. Keep track of your children's online activities: Limit your child's online time and install parental controls to ensure that your child does not enter any websites that may be susceptible to hacking or online theft. This software also protects against online predators.

10. Always back-up critical data to you're a CD or Thumbdrive: Keep important files on CD to prevent the loss of critical files. Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup disks in case of an emergency.