With the decreasing size of data storing units, stealing data has been an increasing issue. It is recommended that you take necessary security precautions to protect IT systems and data.  Interestingly, the majority of the time data is stolen, it is from disgruntled employees or others with easy access to the data and IT systems.

The following are a few helpful tips to protect your systems:

–       Install anti-virus software.

–       Disconnect from the internet when you are not using it.

–       Use various passwords for different accounts, and ones that would be hard to figure out if you were an outsider.

–       Do not open email from suspicious or unknown sources.

–       Keep data storing or data transferring machines out of places that could be easily observed, (such as away from windows, etc.)

–       Require all workers to either log off or shut down their computers before leaving the building.

–       Shred all documents no longer being used.

–       Do not allow outside people to connect to your network – even if they are visiting your building or home only for a brief time.

In addition, check out these security precautions for more helpful tips.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, sometimes you’ll still get viruses.  It may be beneficial to contact a professional to understand and equip yourself with the latest security systems out there.  To speak to a professional within minutes, use TalkLocal.  This completely free service will directly connect you to multiple computer repair specialists in your area.

A wireless connection can feel like freedom when you are traveling from place to place. But when you cannot find wireless connection, the freedom slips slowly away. If you are a Windows user and are looking for a connection, click Start and then click Connect to. If your computer does not find a network, check the following points:

– Make sure your wireless switch is turned on. Some mobile PCs have a switch on the front or the side, while others use a combination of keys. Check your computer’s instruction manual if you are unsure.

– Make sure your wireless router is working. Ensure that you have turned on your router and that the signal light is on. If it is, try resetting the router by turning it off for a minute before turning it back on.

– Make sure you are close enough to the router. For 802.11b or 802.11g routers, the computer must be within 150 feet of the router.

– Remove interfering devices. Some devices, such as microwave ovens and cordless phones, may use the same frequency as your network. Try turning these devices off and moving them away from the computer.

– Remove other computers. If several computers are using the same router, the router may be too busy to handle new requests. Try disconnecting other computers before connecting yours to the network.

– See if administrator blocked access. An administrator may have used Group Policy to block access to certain corporate networks that you are trying to connect to. Contact your network administrator to gain access.

If you are still having trouble finding a wireless connection, you may need to have a professional check out your computer. TalkLocal can connect you to up to three local service providers in minutes! Just state your problem, location, and availability in our online request form.

Almost all of us are guilty of jumping onto someone else’s unsecured Wi-Fi network; this also means many of us have shared our connection network with some stranger. While this can be fine if it was an honest person looking for an Internet connection, keeping an unsecured network poses certain risks. Unsecured networks allow others to see exactly what you’re doing on your network. This can have plenty of bad consequences if accessed by the wrong person. You might be wondering, how do I secure my wi fi connection? Follow these steps to ensure that no one intercepts your Internet traffic:

Enable your router’s WEP or WPA encryption–Encryption is the first line of defense for your Wi-Fi network. It secures information transmitted between your computer and wireless router by encoding the data. If you have not already, enable your router’s encryption and use the strongest form supported by your network. You can do this under your computer’s system settings. The Wireless Protected Access (WPA) protocol and more recent WPA2 have replaced the older and less secure Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP). Go with WPA or WPA2 whenever possible. Make sure to use a strong password for your encryption key, such as a combination of letters and numbers of 14 characters or more. Also, change the default network name and password on your router. This will make it more difficult for hackers to break into your router.

Secure your notebook at public Wi-Fi hotspots–Most public Wi-Fi connections do not use encryption, so you should assume that anyone could see your Internet traffic unless you take precautions. Use these tips to stay safe:

– Make sure it’s a legitimate hotspot and not a malicious pirate router.

– Verify that your PC’s software firewall is turned on and that Windows’ file-sharing feature is off.

– Never send bank passwords, credit card numbers, confidential e-mail, or other sensitive data unless you are sure you are on a secure site. Check for the lock icon in the bottom-right corner of your browser, as well as a URL in the address bar that begins with https.

– Always turn your Wi-Fi radio off when you are not at a hotspot.

Use a virtual private network–VPNs keep your communications safe by creating secure “tunnels” through which your encrypted data travels. Many companies provide VPN service to their mobile and offsite workers, so check with your company’s IT department for connection instructions. Paid VPN services are also available online.

If you need additional help with securing your Wi-Fi network, contact TalkLocal to get in touch with high rated IT support services near you.

Viruses are never good news for your computer.  They can come from programs you download, videos you watch, cookies you get from sites you visit, and many other places.  The Internet is a less than secure environment and you can easily be exposed to getting viruses on your computer.

One type of virus that you might contract could cause many of your folders and files to be hidden.  When a virus hides folders and files, it becomes very inconvenient because then you do not have access to many of the things you need. Viruses like this come from fake anti-virus or utility programs.  These can be trial software or incorrectly labeled downloads.  By hiding your documents, the virus pretends that your computer is infected or has problems so you will freak out and be tricked into paying for the full version of the software that can supposedly fix the problem.  The last thing you want to do in this case is pay because then you have a bigger more serious virus and you also have given away your credit card information to an untrustworthy source.

The first thing you need to do when you contract a virus that hides your files is to remove it.  You should carefully research programs that can scan your computer, find viruses, and delete them.  The next step  is to find all the hidden folders and files.  You should go to Tools > Folder Options, which will open a menu.  From there click on View >  Show Hidden Files > the folder you want to view.  You will be able to see everything that the virus had hidden.  You can either manually click on each folder/file individually and unhide it through the command prompt by changing the hidden attribute.  This is a long and tedious process.  There is an easier way that automatically unhides all the programs.  You can download the unhide.exe program from Bleeping Computer and use it to recognize and unhide the files.  The process takes about 30 minutes depending on how many files need to be addressed.

If you cannot get these step to work or are still missing some files you should seek professional help.  Use TalkLocal to contact a reliable local IT business within minutes.  Simply input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will do the rest.  You don’t have to do any work and you will be connected with a company almost immediately.