Online Security Is Essential For the Peace of Mind of Your
Home Based Business

Just how ‘real’ is the threat of having your personal details ‘stolen’ online? I guess to all those that it occurs to, it is very ‘real’. To those of us who have not had a problem, we probably become a bit nonchalant and do not really consider that there is an enormous problem lurking out there in cyberspace, that could overtake us. On the other hand, we may be paranoid about it that we won’t use the Internet for such things as banking.

But the problem is a real one. As we more and more rely on the internet for banking, shopping, education and communication, we must become more aware of the risks. According to the National Cyber Security Awareness, every time we go online we are at risk of having our personal information stolen.

One in five Australians has been the victims of identity-related crimes, and 1.5 million people have had their credit cards illegally copied in the past. Now, that is nothing to scoff at.

With more people using wireless Internet, users should be aware that 50 percent of wireless internet networks are not secure. This means criminals have the green light to access computers and steal identities and financial data. They can just be driving around at random with their lap top, until they pick up an open line from someone who is using wireless Internet and link in. Yep – it is that easy!

Staying safe and secure in a digital world gets more and more difficult each day. The Australian Government’s Stay Smart Online initiative has some great advice for better online security. They are aware that a new online hazard is discovered every 14 seconds.

Their number one tip is to install security software and update it regularly. But it is of little help if it does not automatically update the latest ‘fixes’. It is most important that you have it set to do these automatic updates. Some people do not do this because it often slows the computer down when you are trying to use it. The answer is to set it to do it during your lunch break, dinner break or after you go to bed.

Passwords are the bane of our internet lives. Trying to remember them all is a real pain. It is a good idea to have them written in a book (not just in a Word document on your computer) so that you can find them quickly and relatively easily. Other people use the same password for everything and can therefore remember it. However, it is recommended that you have a stronger password (numbers and the alphabet) and change it at least twice a year.

Also, when about to open an attachment, stop and think before you click on it. If it is not from someone you know and trust, it may be better not to open it. It is through attachments that most viruses enter your computer. Yet, in today’s Internet world, where attachments can be very important, it is pretty useless to simply refuse to open attachments.

Definitely stop and think before you share any personal or financial information - about yourself, your friends or family. There are dozens of scams coming in via your email daily in reference to your banking details, Paypal etc. Remember, these organisations NEVER ask you to supply details via an email.

Last but definitely not least - know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious. If you run a business from your computer, don’t let the kids use it – not ever! The stories of how children have downloaded something that puts a virus into the computer, are never ending. They can easily destroy a fledgling business.