Is your computer secure?
If you church’s computer or network is connected to the internet, you’re always vulnerable to someone or something invading your privacy. Consider the following precautions to make your church’s computers and private information more secure:
- Lock your computer – When you’re away from your computer, even for a few minutes, locking it is a good idea. This preventative effort keeps another person from sitting down and accessing your information.
- Disconnect from internet – When you’re not using the internet, shut it down. DSL and cable modems make it possible for users to be online all of the time, but this convenience comes with risks. If you’re always connected, hackers or viruses scanning the network for available computers have a much better chance of finding yours. Depending on how you connect to the internet, you may have to disconnect cables, wireless modems or turn off your computer.
- Use a Firewall – Firewalls are available as software or hardware, depending on your specific needs. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, using a firewall at all is far more important than which firewall to use.
- Evaluate your security settings – Most software offers a variety of features to simplify your functionality and efficiency. However, the price for many of these conveniences is a decrease in your security settings. Always reevaluate your security settings when installing or upgrading software.
If you need an accounting and stewardship service you can always depend on to make your security a priority and answer your financial management questions, contact the OSA&C team at 904-398-4747.
