Rebecka has given a list of wise advises. Besides all these great advises, I could add that a wise advise is to use common sense also. I deactivate the option to save password on my browser (I know it's a bit boring to type it all the time), but I believe it's more secure if I really want to keep secure my access, accounts and information. Especially my bank accounts, financial tools, etc. I always avoid any site that I consider insecure or that pops lots of ads up. I'm kinda obsessed with it, but I always try to surf through websites I know that won't hurt my system.

Great list Rebecka, I have implemented many security precautions but not as many as you. One thing some folks forget is for wireless routers - please password protect for security reasons. You would not believe those who have a wireless network that had public access and anyone can get onto their internet network.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Originally Posted by leedrozak

Great list Rebecka, I have implemented many security precautions but not as many as you. One thing some folks forget is for wireless routers - please password protect for security reasons. You would not believe those who have a wireless network that had public access and anyone can get onto their internet network.

Good reminder! At my father-in-law's house in Missouri I can see (which ANYONE can potentially access/use) 3 of his neighbors wireless internet networks that haven't been protected...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I am all for internet security and when it comes to that issue I don't cut corners. However,I realize that many security suites can be expensive. I would recommend AVG Free 8.0; this is a free program and its features are right up there with Norton's and McAfee. A great security software without spending all the money.

Some additions to Rebecca's list:

1. Disable guest accounts on your computer. No one should be using your computer unless you've specifically set up an account for them.
   
2. If you have XP or higher, you can easily encrypt your files. Just right click in My Computer and choose Encrypt.
   
3. Note, unless you are using an encrypted thumbnail, your files will not be encrypted on your thumbnail. When you buy a thumbnail, pay the extra money and get an encrypted one.
   
4. Buy a laptop lock for your laptop (Kensington are the best). Any time you use your laptop on public, lock it to something so someone can't grab it and run.
   
5. Don't keep your laptop in an identifiable laptop bag. Use one that is more nondescript so it doesn't scream "Steal Me!".
   
6. Don't leave your laptop in your car, not even in the trunk. If you are travelling with it, take it with you. A huge number of laptops are stolen from trunks every year.
   
7. Keep your laptop out of site when it isn't being used. If someone breaks into your house or hotel room, they aren't going to take time to search for your computer. They're going to grab what's easy to get and run.

I think that's all. I was network administrator at a small non-profit with HIPPA requirements, not to mention requirements from the state social services agency. We had to put together a whole computer security policy to protect our data.

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Jodith Allen
Administrative Arts

I was a patient representative in a community hospital, and can honestly state; any VA would benefit (as well as their clients) from reviewing the HIPPA security rule which covers EPHI (electronic protected health information), the VA could adopt a ECD (electronic client data) policy.

During HIPPA certification & compliance, we had to look at the 'Risks' as well as the 'Possible Risk Management Strategies', it was an eye opener to say the least.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

I am currently using Kaspersky and adware. I printed the info sent by rebecka as all of this is very important. I am currently using some of the suggestions and I one fellow VA stated my dogs are my security. Thanks

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Jackie Smith