Old Bridge Township Public Schools

Technology Department

Protect Your Computer

Here are some tips to secure your digital devices and keep you and your family safe:

• Make sure your computer is updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.  It is particularly important to update your "dat" files for your anti-virus program regularly.  Hundreds of new viruses are created everyday.  Your chances of protecting yourself from these viruses are only as good as your "dat" files--which provide the "data" or "profiles" of the viruses and identifies viruses for your computer.

• If you are a Windows XP user, you should install Service Pack 2 and enable the automatic security updates.

• Install "firewall" software on your computer to prevent intruders from invading your hard drive.

• If you are in a location with has a "Wi-Fi" hotspot, such as an Internet cafe, airport, or hotel, refrain from transmitting personal information, such as credit card numbers and passwords, which can be intercepted by others.

• If you frequent a "Wi-Fi" hotspot location, don't 'IM' (instant message).

• Look at the file extension on e-mail attachments before you open them.  If the file extension is ".exe", this means it is an executable program and could contain a harmful virus or program. 

• Only accept e-mail, e-mail attachments, or IMs from people you know.  Configure your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to block all others.

• If you have a device such as a handheld computer, cellular phone, or Internet-ready game device that utilizes BlueTooth technology, disable the access until you need it.  You do not need a constant and instant connection.

• Be cautious about online "FREE" offers--especially games and toolbars.  They often carry latent viruses and rarely is anything truly "free."

• If you have a home wireless network, password protect access to it to prevent "drive by" hackers.

• Avoid downloading anything from a questionable website--especially any software "tool" which is supposed to help your computer work more efficiently.  Most often times, these types of "tools" install spyware or "tracking" codes in your computer to monitor your movement on the Internet and "track" what you do, the passwords you use, and the credit card accounts (and PINs!).

• Don't be afraid to shop on the Internet.  Just be cautious who you make your purchases from.  Always use payment methods from "trusted" sources which utilize file encryption to protect your personal information.

• Your bank or your credit card company will NEVER send you an e-mail asking that you verify personal information via the Internet.  It is very easy for someone to create a fake website by copying a bank or credit card logo and setting up a data collection site which will collect personal information as you enter it.  The United States, China, Korea, and Russia are home to many of these sites.  If you get a request asking you to verify personal financial information, report it as SPAM to your Internet Service Provider.

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