The majority of security infractions don’t occur from outside firewalls, but rather from within. Co-workers and disgruntled workers interested in information cause more security violations than hackers do. To protect your computer at work you should use the following security precautions.

 1.         Use the computer “lock up” security device that can be found on most operating systems. Set it up to activate when the computer is inactive for a short period of time. When your walk away from your desk, activate the lock up screen so that no one can access your computer.

2.         On files created by the popular work programs (Word for Windows, Excel, Power Point, Freelance, Word Perfect, etc.), use the password option to open the file. This will keep prying eyes from viewing your files.

3.         On Windows 95, you can get a list of recently accessed documents. This document trail provides prying eyes information on what you were working on. You can clear the documents by going into the task bar option. There also are free programs that will disable this feature. They can be located on the Internet and the most popular is named “Tweak”.

4.         Change your log-on password monthly using a combination of letters and numbers. Don’t choose family member names, pet names or other easily guessed passwords such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays that occur during the month that you change your password.

5.         Keep floppy disks locked up so that they can’t be copied or taken.

6.         Choose a password with at least 6 characters and don’t write it down and leave it near the computer.

7.         Get the latest browser. Web browsers contain security features that are your first line of defense against crime. Browsers can encrypt (code) information you send to Web sites, making it impossible for criminals to intercept and read. As technology advances, browser makers continue to add security features to their programs.

8.         Learn how to use your browser's built-in security features. The latest browsers can give you an extra level of security — but only if you know how to use them properly.

9.         Only make purchases from sites on secure servers. Secure servers encrypt all the information they send to your browser; for that reason, shopping at secure is probably safer than shopping in a real-world store. You can set your browser to alert you when you enter or leave a secure server, but your browser will also display a closed (locked) lock icon at the bottom of its window when a site is secure.

10.       Never email your credit card number to anyone. Email is NOT secure and can be intercepted and read on its trip from your computer.

11.       If you want to use your credit card number at a company without a secure server, use the phone. Most Web stores will give you a phone option.

12.       Don't be fooled by the site. Eye-catching graphics and huge, convoluted explanations can be used to hide the details of a scam. Legitimate businesses will be glad to provide simple explanations and more information about what they are offering; con artists won't. Check out a company's track record. Ask your friends and family if they've heard of the site. You can also check with consumer agencies or the Better Business Bureau in your area about the company's complaint record. (Remember, no complaints doesn't mean a business is safe; fraudulent companies often change names and addresses very quickly.)

13.       Privacy - Always remember that if you are at work, the employer has legal authority to monitor all information on the computer.  This includes emails that you send and web sites you visit.