10 RULES TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER AND YOUR PERSONAL DATA

1- Keep your software up to date, specifically your security software.

Most updates are performed automatically by Windows, but if a window pops up to notify you of an update to a program or your free antivirus, accept it. 

2- Make a copy of your files. 

If ever a virus got into your computer, it could destroy your files, which would be lost. Make sure not to lose your documents, photos, videos, music files by making a backup copy. The ideal is to get an external hard drive (less than $ 100). All you have to do is connect it to the computer (on the USB plug) and copy your documents there. Perform this operation regularly; it is even possible to have an automatic backup. Thus, if your computer's hard drive is damaged, your files will be intact on your external drive. You can also save files to a USB stick, but this contains fewer files. 

3- Limit access to your wireless network. 

When installing your router, we suggest that you enter a WAP decryption key: this password will prevent people who circulate or live in the neighborhood from using your Internet connection. This WAP is essential. 

4- Be careful before giving your personal information on the Internet. ``

Create a Webmail address (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo) that you will use to register for blogs, contests or to become a member of certain sites. When creating this address, use a fictitious identity (note the names and numbers chosen). This way, any spyware will not have access to your contact details and personal information. Never give out banking, financial, credit card numbers, or passwords via email, even to a friend. When you need to fill out a form on a website, make sure it is a reliable site. 

5- Be careful before opening an attached file or activating a hyperlink. 

You receive an email from a stranger with an attached document or a hyperlink? Do not open either. In principle, you shouldn't open the email from someone you don't know or from an organization or business where you haven't registered yourself. 

6- Make your transactions on reliable and secure sites. 

Check the URL address. By clicking on the Buy or Pay option, this address must start with HTTPS. For your purchases, choose sites where you are offered to pay with a secure system such as PayPal. 

7- Keep proof of your transactions and check your statements. 

Paying bills, managing bank accounts or shopping online are all very practical. However, take the trouble to save all statements and invoices to a file and print a copy. You will then be able to make complaints, if necessary, and to make sure that everything is correct. 

8- Create passwords that are difficult to guess. 

Your name, first name, date of birth do not constitute secure passwords. Only you should be able to know your password. 

9- Disconnect from networks when you end a session and close your computer after use. 

On Facebook, your bank's site, Skype, and other places where you need to log in to browse or participate, click Log Out or Log Out or Log Out before closing the site. Do not leave your computer on overnight or for long periods of time. This is preferable for your device which, once closed, is not accessible to any hacker, hacker, or another malicious Internet user. 

10- If in Doubt, Refuse or Close. 

A window opens spontaneously on a site and invites you to participate in a competition or to answer a survey? If you are unfamiliar with this site, close the window or decline the offer. If you intend to accept it, check, once it is opened, that this window is indeed generated by the site on which you were browsing.