Creating Strong Passwords

Make them more than eight characters Combines letters, numbers and symbols

Make them easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess

Got a favorite phrase? Make it into an Acronym. "Ask not what your country can do for you" becomes : AnWyCcd4U

Beat Keyloggers by programming one of the keys on your keyboard with your password. New keyboards usually allow the programming of certain keys such as Mail or Home. When you program the key to type your password instead, a keylogger will not be able to capture it. This is also a convenient way not to have to type your password all the time

Password Dont's

Do NOT put your username as the password.

Do NOT use "password"

Do NOT use your first or last name

Do NOT use repeating or sequential numbers such as 1234567890, 22222222

Do NOT use dictionary words

Do NOT use single "hacker phrases" as passwords e.g. "M1cr0$0ft" or "P@ssw0rd"

Do NOT write down the password on a post-it and stick it on the monitor.

There are lots of security precautions you can take to keep your computer safe from viruses, hackers, and other privacy threats.  Knowing where and and when you are most vulnerable can help avoid compromising situations. 

Hackers

There are lots of security measures you can take to keep unwanted guests out of your computer or network.  Having a firewall enabled is the best method of security against Hackers. 

A firewall is a hardware or software solution to enforce security policies. Basically, a firewall is equivalent to a lock on a door, it permits only authorized users such as those with a key or access card to enter. A firewall has built-in filters that can disallow unauthorized or potentially dangerous material from entering your system.  Most Windows and MAC Operating Systems have built in Firewalls.  For instructions on how to enable your Windows Default firewall please visit the microsoft help homepage.  www.support.microsoft.com. For instructions on how to set up your MAC Default Firewall please visit their Security Homepage. http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/security/.  

Aside from the default firewalls in your operating system there are many other firewalls on the market with different tools and abilities. There are many free programs as well as many programs for purchase with a host of capabilities and features.

Malware, Viruses and Spyware

Viruses and Spyware are the most common security thereat to most computers and networks please click on the link below to learn more about viruses and spyware and how to prevent and remove them.

Malware