E-Crime is growing at an alarming rate, but other than anti-virus and spyware which is essential, there are a number of other important considerations.

A virus will always seek to infect recognized path names such as “My Documents”. Therefore partition your hard drive, ensuring that data and OS are kept separate and avoid using default path names.

Software that is not used or has been unknowingly installed and default functions are a route into your computer for attackers. Uninstall any software and archive files that are no longer used and frequently run the clean up utility. Establish a policy for removing all data when a hard drive is re-purposed, discarded, donated or sold.

Emails are the most common method of transferring viruses and they can be hidden from view. Do not use the standard preview function for email content and certainly do not open them from unknown sources. Set up your browser to alert you to internet module downloading. Never click on a link from an unrecognized source, especially if it is claiming to be your bank, building society, paypal, credit card etc

Be careful when using social networking sites, these are rife with identity theft fraudsters. Never publish any information that can be used by an attacker such as mothers maiden name, date of birth etc.

Make sure your systems are well protected by enabling security on your wireless networks, routinely updating software with patches to enhance functionality and implementing passwords, otherwise you potentially leave your system wide open.