October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) have teamed up again this year to help increase awareness about Internet security issues.
With a campaign that focuses on public relations activities, educational programs, and events for home users, small businesses, education audiences, and child safety forums, we want to encourage everyone who uses a personal computer to keep one idea in mind: protect yourself before you connect to the Internet.
Here are the four steps you should take before you go online:
Use a firewall.
Turn on automatic updating.
Use updated antivirus software.
Use updated antispyware software.
If you take these steps before you go online, you can help prevent criminals and identity thieves from getting personal information and accessing your computer. While nothing can guarantee complete safety in cyberspace, taking these basic precautions helps to minimize your exposure to risk.