Best Practices

Secure Florida has prepared a list of recommended Best Practices that can help reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats and to make your piece of cyber space more secure.

Use Several Methods of Security - Don't Rely On Just One!

Use anti-virus software:

Your anti-virus software should be set to constantly monitor your system using “real-time monitoring,” and you should be sure your virus definitions are kept up to date.

Read about anti-virus software.
Install hardware and software firewalls:

Your network should be behind a hardware firewall, particularly with a high-speed connection. Install a personal firewall to block any content that the hardware may miss.

Read about firewalls.
Create strong passwords:

A strong password is one that has at least 8 characters including letters, numbers, and other non-alphanumeric characters.

Learn how to create a strong password.
Establish a back-up schedule for important data:

Creating and maintaining a set schedule for backing up your data can prepare you for any unfortunate breach that could occur despite your best efforts to remain secure.

Learn about establishing a backup schedule.
Maintain up-to-date security patches:

Carefully review and install software patches as soon as they become available. This will help to reduce the amount of time that you are vulnerable to an attack.

Read about security patches.
Use password-protected screen savers:

Reduce the chance that others are able to access your data by using a screen saver that activates after a short time and requires a password to return to the desktop.

Click for information on password-protected screen savers.
Check the settings in your email client and web browser:

In your email client you should use content filter settings to block unwanted email. You can also set your Web browser to block cookies and unwanted JavaScript.

Learn how to change the settings in your email client and web browser.
Use safe e-mail and download practices:

Most computer viruses spread through email or direct downloading to your computer. With this in mind, you should think carefully about everything that you download.

Find more information on safe downloading and email practices.
Increase your awareness of Internet security:

Become aware of the dangers surrounding you on the Internet. You can do this through formal training, or simply keeping up with the latest Internet news and alerts.

Start learning about securing your piece of cyber space.
Florida schools that offer cyber security training.
Register for free cyber alerts.
Establish policies and rules for information security:

Policies or rules should be established in your business or agency, and even in your home, providing guidelines for secure computer use.

Creating policies for your business.
Establishing rules in your home.