In today’s very connected world, it seems that so much knowledge is available with just a few keystrokes and the click of the mouse. However, there are some unsavory people out there who are using this connectivity to gain access to your computer. They can get access to a great deal of personal information including banking statements, taxes, medical records and a lot of other information. So how do you secure your computer — and your personal information – from prying, criminal eyes? Here are a few simple things to help keep you safe online:

• Make sure that your computer or laptop is secured with a password. Your password should not be something that can be easily guessed. Never use birthdays, addresses and the like.

• Keep your operating system up-to-date — especially those very important security updates. All major operating system vendors provide regular online updates.

• Install software that will keep your computer secure. These include anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewalls and so on. You may think that having a firewall will keep you safe; but this is not true. These programs don’t have to be expensive, some are even free; just do a little homework.

• Make sure these security programs are as up-to-date as your operating system.

• Make sure that all of your data is backed up o n a regular basis. This is important in case you are attacked by a virus or other security breach that completely destroys your computer.

• Make sure that you regularly scan your hard drive for spyware, malware and viruses. This should be done one a week at the very least.

• Don’t download anything from unknown sources. This can include email attachments and software applications from sources that are not familiar. If you don’t know the source, don’t trust it.