Network & Internet Safety - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Setting up a home or business network has become fairly easy and inexpensive. For most home users, a wireless network is the best choice since no wiring through walls and floors is needed. For a business office, having an integrated network with both wired and wireless connections serves a wider range of needs.

With a network, you can:

• Share DSL or cable internet connection within one home or office location
• Print to one printer from multiple computers
• Copy computer data from one computer to another through the network
• Back up data on multiple computers on the network

Secure Your Computers & Network

• Install latest Windows service packs and security patches
• Install a firewall program to block intrusion by hackers and malicious software
• Run anti-virus and anti-spyware programs regularly
• Turn on wireless router encryption to block intruders to your network
• Use strong passwords for computer and internet accounts

Run Your Network Safely

Many network users are concerned about hacker's attack from the internet. In fact, most routers have a built-in firewall that can prevent such attacks. The biggest risk to network security is the presence of spyware and virus on networked computers. Spyware and virus programs can steal confidential information from inside the network. In addition, they can open up a door and let in intruders outside your network. It is crucial to keep networked computers free of spyware and computer virus.

Online Security Risk - Phishing Scam

Phishing is one of the most lucrative internet crimes and it is growing rapidly. Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers and banking account data. Criminals send millions of fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from your bank or credit card company, and request that you provide personal information. These emails try to direct you to websites that look authentic. But these websites are NOT the real website by your bank or credit card company. The thieves who set up these websites intend to capture your login name and password and use it to steal your money.

You and your family should be on guard for phishing scams:

• Don't trust any unsolicited emails from any financial company
• Don't click on the links inside emails, instead, type your bank's web address
• Look for padlock icon at the bottom of your web browser for a secured website
• Use anti-phishing tools for more protection