Security Tip of the Day

Computing Security

Being secure in the use of your computer is a part of your personal, everyday safety. After all, an intruder who is able to get into your machine or your computing accounts - say, by stealing your password or sending you a virus - can wreck your work, find out your personal information, pretend to be you in social and financial dealings, and even cause damage to the people you connect with. Don't wait until it's too late to start practicing safe computing!

Tip #7 for securing your personal computer....

Keep your application software updated

Application software is software that performs the sort of task for which you bought your computer in the first place - word processors, web browsers, emailers, and so on. As these programs get older, attackers often find ways to attack them through the network to gain access to your computer.
Fortunately, the manufacturers of the programs update them from time to time to fix newly-discovered security holes. You should check the manufacturers' web sites regularly and download new security updates ("patches") as they become available.