Install and Update Your Operating System at Home, Properly

BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, East Granby, Conn. -- In collaboration with the National Cyber Security Alliance website: http://www.staysafeonline.info, we will showcase several articles on personal security. By practicing these tips we hope that it'll not only help you at home but also in the work place. If you have any questions on this or any other security related issues please call the Information Assurance Office at ext. 2338. 

Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly. Hackers take advantage of unsecured Web browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) and operating system software (like Windows or Linux). Lessen your risk by changing the settings in your browser or operating system and increasing your online security. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. If you need help understanding your choices, use your "Help" function. 

Your operating system also may offer free software patches that close holes in the system that hackers could exploit. In fact, some common operating systems can be set to automatically retrieve and install patches for you. If your system does not do this, bookmark the website for your system's manufacturer so you can regularly visit and update your system with defenses against the latest attacks. Updating can be as simple as one click. Your email software may help you avoid viruses by giving you the ability to filter certain types of spam. It's up to you to activate the filter. In addition, consider using operating systems that allow automatic updates.