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Step 1: Install A Firewall and Anti-Virus/Spyware Program- Most people lock their car when they leave it in the parking lot on a trip to the mall, but failing to secure your computer with a firewall is like leaving the car unlocked with the engine running. Like it or not, if you intend to be online with your computer, you must secure it. unless you enjoy having your identity stolen, your web activity monitored, and other afflictions! Bottom line - install a firewall on every computer in your home or office that is connected to the internet or to each other. Viruses and Spyware threats are well known and your computer must be secured before using the internet... period. You can check out the recommended products page for assistance.  You can also contact us if you have any questions.

Step 2: Keep your operating system and security software updated - Microsoft releases updates on a regular basis and you should set your computer to automatically download and install them. Properly configured security software will keep itself updated automatically.

Step 3: Install Accountability/Monitoring Software - Most of the objectionable content of the internet has been around for many years. The difference is the ease of access and more importantly, the anonymity of access. Simply put, the fear of being caught with inappropriate material has been removed leaving each individual to their own morality and convictions. Young people and many adults need some boundaries on what is acceptable and unacceptable internet content. Accountability can be a very powerful tool for you to use with internet access. There are a couple of programs available that will let you enlist the help of an accountability partner who will get a list of all the questionable sites that you visit each month. This can be installed on each computer and the report will be sent to any e-mail address that you choose. A great free option is X3-Watch which can be reached from our recommended products page.

Step 4: Consider an Internet Filter - Filters can be used to limit what can be viewed on the computers in your home or church. There are a number of products on the market and all have their strengths and weaknesses. Across the board, they filter out most of the objectionable content. They will, however, give you a few headaches along the way by limiting some things on the internet that you or others need to use. This balance requires a good deal of attention and diligence. The protection is not 100%. A technically savvy teenager could find a way to get around it in some fashion. It does provide some assurance that you will not encounter questionable content by accident. This is important if you are researching some topics and you are checking out leads from a search engine. A great option is a service called Net Mop which is web-based and a Christian owned company. Check them out on our recommended products page.

Step 5: Secure Wireless Communication - While wireless networks have provided a great deal of flexibility in homes, the majority of people do not bother to turn on the encryption software that comes with it. Make sure that you have secured this open door to your computer and all of your information.

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