IN DEPTH: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO COMPUTER SECURITY How safe is your
computer? CBC News Online | Feb. 18, 2005 SAFE PRACTICES | »TOP
TIPS Safe practices checklist The five top tips are tools to
help protect your computer. They won't be much help if you reply
to spam e-mail or use weak passwords. Even with a fully updated
anti-virus program and firewall, an intruder with your passwords
can gain access to your system. Here are some safe practices to
layer your defence against online threats. "Computers have
passwords, and passwords are the keys to the kingdom. With this
access they (intruders) could do anything you could and if
motivated, even more." Ryan Purita, security consultant. - Use
unique passwords that you can remember. Use at least eight
characters and include numbers and symbols. Make it difficult
for programs that are specially written to crack your password.
Don't use words you can find in the dictionary, or obvious
things like the name of your child, your pet's name or your
month of birth. Use a passw