Comporium is always seeking ways to make the Internet experience more enjoyable and secure for you and your family. Below is some information we hope you find very helpful. Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments concerning this information.

Security Tips At-A-Glance:

• Install Internet security software on all computers connected to the network. Internet security software packages provide protection from many different kinds of threats, including viruses and spyware. Make sure to keep the software updated and run regular scans. Comporium currently offers the Trend Micro Internet Security Suite for FREE to all High Speed Internet subscribers and for a small fee to current Dial-up subscribers. For added protection, subscribers can utilize one of the online scans below.
  
  • Trend Micro Antivirus online scan: housecall.trendmicro.com/
  • Norton Antivirus online scan: security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym
  • McAfee Antivirus online scan: us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9913
  
  
• Install a hardware/software firewall. Firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to your computer or network. By default, most routers have a built in firewall. If you do not have a router, utilize the built-in software firewall (limited to select operating systems) or utilize a software firewall that is built into most Internet security software packages. The Internet security package provided by Comporium has a firewall module built in.
• Do not open any files or click on any web page links in an e-mail from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source. Do not open any files attached to an e-mail unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or e-mail attachments.
• Delete chain e-mails and junk e-mail. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of e-mail are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network. They may also contain malware that can cause issues on your computers (as well as those you forward the message to).
• Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your backup copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your computer.
• Never run/execute a program unless you know it to be authored by a person or company that you trust. Keep all applications, including your operating system, updated with software patches (vendors will usually release patches for their software when a vulnerability has been discovered). Some applications will automatically check for available updates, and many vendors offer automatic notification of updates via a mailing list. Look on your vendor's web site for information about automatic notification. If no mailing list or other automated notification mechanism is offered, you may need to check periodically for updates.
• Be cautious when browsing the Internet. Only navigate to well-known or trusted web sites.
• Utilize parental control software to limit access to the web based on several factors, including security risk, content and time of day. The Internet security package offered by Comporium includes a parental controls module.

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