Computer Security FAQ .com sets the stage for learning the basics of computer security. Protecting computers and networks from internet attacks can be a full time task. This web site is here to help make your life a little bit easier. Come back often, as security issues can change as fast as technology does; Computer Security FAQ .com will help you to keep up with the times.
There are several steps that need to be taken to insure your home computer or network are protected from attack. The expense and time required to secure your home computer or network is minimal to the possible time and expense required to repair the damage of an attack on your system.
To help keep your computers and network secure, follow these basic steps; set the stage for computer and network security-

Step 1 - Install and Use Anti-Virus Programs

Step 2 - Keep Your System Patched

Step 3 - Use Care When Reading Email with Attachments

Step 4 - Install and Use a Firewall Program

Step 5 - Make Backups of Important Files and Folders

Step 6 - Use Strong Passwords

Step 7 - Use Care When Downloading and Installing Programs

Step 8 - Install and Use a Hardware Firewall

Step 9 - Install and Use a File Encryption Program and Access Controls

Identity Theft cases are on the Rise!

Identity theft is currently the most alarming crime being commited on the internet. Use the following information to help protect yourself, and if you fall victim to identity theft, this page will help you straighten things out.

What to do if you become a victim:

• Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation.
• If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one or all of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will help prevent theives from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each of bureau's fraud division:
  Equifax
  800-525-6285
  P.O. Box 740250
  Atlanta, GA 30374
  
  Experian
  888-397-3742
  P.O. Box 1017
  Allen, TX 75013
  
  TransUnion
  800-680-7289
  P.O. Box 6790
  Fullerton, CA 92634
• Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT

You CAN Fight Identity Theft

• Never provide personal financial information:
  This includes your Social Security Number, bank account numbers, or passwords, over the phone or in an Internet form on a web page, unless you initiate the contact.
• Never click on a link provided in an e-mail:
  Unless you are POSITIVE of the source of the sender. Most financial institutions WILL NOT use clickable links asking for personal information in an e-mail. E-mails can contain a virus or trojan program and infect your computer. Use an antivirus program which automaticly scans incoming and outgoing email for malicious content.
• Don't be intimidated by an e-mail or a caller:
  Most financial institutions and corporations WILL NOT use this technique to get customer information. Don't let treats of dire consequences intimidate you into giving out personal information on the Internet or over the phone. If you believe the contact is legitmate, go to the company's web site by typing in the site address directly into your web browser, or by using a page you have saved in your favorites, instead of clicking on a link in an e-mail.
• If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately:
  Protect yourself. Act fast. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely and regularly.