WAYS TO SECURE COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.Work with your IT department
= Make sure that you install all of the patches and updates that your IT department recommends. In addition to installing Windows and Office updates, your IT department might require you to install additional security software, such as a firewall or custom software to help you connect from remote locations. Making these regular installations will keep your computer and your company's network as secure as possible.

2.Turn off your computer and disconnect
= from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.

3.Do not run programs from unknown origins.
= Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.

4.Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk
= in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.

5. Don't enable the Save Password option
= Make it mandatory for you—or someone else trying to access your computer—to enter your password on all operating system or application settings. If a dialog box prompts you about remembering the password, rather then requiring you to enter it, just choose no. Allowing the password to be saved negates having the password at all.

6.Use network file shares instead of local file shares
= Rather than opening up your computer to co-workers, use network file shares to collaborate on documents. And restrict access to the network file share to only those who need it. If you're working on a team, you have lots of other options—for example,Microsoft Share-point Workspace 2010.

7.Disable hidden filename extensions
= By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.

8.Review your browser and email settings for optimum security.
= Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

9.Use Care When Downloading and Installing Programs
= When you buy an appliance, you give little thought to it doing you or your house any harm. Why? Because there are organizations like Underwriters Laboratories that set standards and certify products. When you see a certifier’s label, you have more confidence that a product will be safer than a competing product that does not carry the same label. You’re willing to accept the risk because you believe the product has met some standards and has been certified by a respected authority.

10.Lock your computer when you leave your desk
= If you're going to be away from your desk for a while, make sure your computer is locked.
TO lock your computer:

1.On your keyboard, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE at the same time.
2.Click Lock this computer (Lock Computer if you're running Windows XP).
3.To unlock your computer, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and enter your password.