• Install a firewall on your computer.

• Use anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-spyware software. Keep the software updated.

• Use parental controls to protect children from unwanted spam and phishing e-mails.

• Keep your browser updated.

• Don’t respond to requests for personal information from unsolicited e-mails or pop-up windows.

• Visit a web site by entering the web address – or "URL" – yourself into your web browser, not by clicking a link in an e-mail.

• When downloading a program, game, etc., reading the provider’s statement of terms will let you know what else you might be downloading that you may not want.

• Check that you use secure web sites for sensitive communications or transactions. When entering the URL, look for the "s" in the "https" and the lock icon in the bottom right of the screen.

• Clean the hard drive before discarding any personal computer.