1. Lock Your Computer when you Leave your Desk

Often we get up from our desk to run a short errand, leaving our computers unlocked and vulnerable to potential security threats. Locking your computer ensures that all the data is more secure. In order for someone to access your computer, they would have to know your password (which you should change on a regular basis).

To Lock your Computer:

1. Press Ctrl +Alt +Delete
2. Click on Lock Computer

2. Use Strong Passwords

The first line of defense in protecting your computer is a strong password. Too often we use easy passwords from our lives that make it easy for people to guess or we leave our password written on a piece of paper near our computer. Never underestimate the importance of a strong secure password.

A Strong Secure Password:

• Is at least eight characters long
• Does not contain your user name, real name or company name
• Does not contain a complete dictionary word
• Is significantly different from previous passwords
• Passwords that change just slightly—such as Password1, Password2, Password3—are not strong
• Contains characters from each of the following groups:
• Uppercase  letters
• Lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols (!,@,#,$,%, etc.)

3. Don’t use the Save Password Options

Do not store your passwords in Internet Explorer (IE), as this presents a huge security risk to your computer and any accounts which have stored passwords. The number one way people hack into computers and internet based accounts, like your bank account or accounts where you have used your credit card, is through IE cookies. Remember cookies store your personal information along with your passwords, which can lead to identify theft. The more hackers know about you, the easier it is to steal your identity.

Deleting Stored Passwords:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to Tools, select Internet Options.
3. Click Delete Passwords.
4. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the saved passwords, click yes.
5. Click Close.
6. Click OK.

4.  Use Network file shares instead of Local files (if possible)

When collaborating with other people within your company it is best to save your files in a centralized networked location. This helps reduce the size of emails being sent. Instead of sending a file you can just send the person a link to the location on your network. Also, having files stored on the network restricts access to  those who need open or edit the file.

5.  Use the Junk Email Filters in Outlook 2010

Often viruses and malware are sent via email, so one of the best ways to secure your computer is to make sure you are utilizing all the protection filters available to you in Outlook 2010. The Junk Mail filters are already active and should reduce the amount of spam you receive, but should you still find that you have too much, you can adjust your settings.

1. On the Home tab in the delete group, click the Junk drop down menu and then click Junk email options
2. When the Junk E-mail dialog box opens, click on the block sender tab
3.  Click Add and type the domain only in the text box, @domain.com (i.e junkemail.com)
4. Click Ok 2 times

These tips will allow you to be more secure in the way you work; helping to ensure that your company information is protected with great integrity.