Caution - Handle with Care

By Peter DeHaan

When using the Internet, it is critical to be aware of the risks associated with it. While this is not justification to permanently disconnect from the Internet, it should be an adequate warning and reminder to not take a naive approach towards security on your answering service's computers. Computer security is complex issue, deserving great attention. At the risk of oversimplification, here are some simple guidelines to follow.

Have current anti-virus protection on each computer that accesses the Internet or is on a network with other computers that access the Internet.
Faithfully check and apply all critical updates for Microsoft Windows and Office products. Those programs are most often targeted because of their popularity and near universal presence.
Install and properly configure a firewall on every computer that accesses the Internet.
Practice safe computing. Don’t open unexpected attachments and practice a healthy skepticism with unsolicited warnings and well-intentioned advice.
Use common sense. If something is too good to be true, it generally is; if something seems too risky, it probably is. Don't take chances online.

There is much more to these basic recommendations then the brief coverage given herein, as well as other issues to consider and address. But first make sure that these basic items are covered and then build on that.

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