Tips

• Delete temporary files when you finish working. Using a freeware application called CCleaner is very effective. Deleting temporary files (like the ones created by Word or your internet browser) not only safeguards your privacy, but also frees disk space helping improve computer performance.
  
• Encrypt your files, particularly those containing sensitive commercial information. Choose a password you will remember but other people will not guess. Avoid names of family members and “password”. Where possible use passwords with a combination of letters and numbers. One of the most powerful and popular encryption programmes is Phil Zimmermann's PGP which should protect your files from snoopers for some time.
  
• Protect your computer from sniffing applications like malware, key loggers and trojans, by installing security applications like a firewall, antivirus software and anti spyware. (See tip 7.3) Some of the best ones are free to use.
  
• Prevent people from physically accessing your computer. Keep your computer in a secure location, use simple defences like a Kensington lock on your laptop or desktop. Set a power-on or hard drive password and a log-in password to deter theft and snoopers.
  
• The simplest way to gather information from a computer is simply to look at the screen. To prevent people from “shoulder surfing” try covering your screen with a specially designed screen filter, or better still, work in a corner where you cannot be overlooked.  

To learn more about how to protect your data, why not read our dedicated data security guides:

Controlling access to data

Backing up data

Protecting important data