Stupefy Hackers with Strong Passwords
While using your girlfriend's name as a password qualifies as a heartfelt gesture, it's also a boneheaded security risk. Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess and instead use a mix of alphanumeric characters and symbols. At the very least, use symbols and numbers like @, 3, !, or 0 in place of the vowels A, E, I, or O. If what you're trying to password protect is mission-critical, use an online password generator such as this one from PC Tools.
Lock Down Your Router Tighter Than Fort Knox
Without a password in place to protect your wireless Internet, you're not only a sitting duck, but inviting trouble. Keep bad guys out by using a unique SSID and by securing your router with a password. To access your router, type 192.168.1.1 into your browser (or check your router manual for an alternative). You'll be prompted for a password-type "admin" for both entries, or consult your router manual if this doesn't work. Now, navigate to the security section. This will vary by make/model-if you own a Linksys router, for example, head over to Wireless > Wireless Security and choose the strongest encryption your network adapters support, such as WPA2. Type in a strong password mixing both letters and numbers, and either write this down (temporarily) or commit it to memory. You'll need to punch this in when prompted on any PCs or Internet-connected devices that tap into your router.
Secure Your Sensitive Data
Don't make the mistake of thinking that a deleted file is gone forever. All any two-bit hack has to do is Google "data recovery" to find a list of apps that promise to resurrect files already emptied from the recycle bin. Use Eraser when you need to securely delete files. If you're getting ready to dispose of your hard drive, KillDisk decimates any traces of data. And finally, put your trust in TrueCrypt for on-the-fly encryption.
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