FAQ’s

A VPN provides an encrypted server and hides your IP address from corporations, government agencies and would-be hackers. A VPN protects your identity even if you are using public or shared Wi-Fi, and your data will be kept private from any prying internet eyes.

A firewall is a virtual barrier between your computer and the Internet. Everything coming into or leaving your computer must go through the firewall, which blocks anything that doesn’t meet specific security criteria.

Antivirus software scans everything that goes into your computer, looking for known viruses. Because new viruses are created all the time, you have to update your antivirus software regularly.

Spyware is software that tracks your computer activity, gathering information without your knowing it. Antispyware is software that blocks or removes spyware.

Most ISPs and email programs now include an automatic spam filter, which reduces the number of unwelcome email messages that make it to your inbox. Delete, without opening, any spam or “junk mail” that gets through the filter. Check your “junk mail” folder on a regular basis to make sure that emails you want to see are not being flagged as junk. You can also add the email addresses of people and companies you want to hear from to your address books, which may save them from being flagged as junk.

Computer and software companies frequently update their programs to include protection against the newest security threats. So, simply updating your operating system and software whenever new versions become available gives you an added measure of security. If available, activate automatic updates so you will be alerted when updates are ready to install.

A strong password includes a seemingly random string of letters, numbers and symbols. It should never include personal information such as your birth date, address or pet’s name. We highly recommend at least eight but we prefer ten or more characters, including upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols combined.