5 essential steps to protecting your computer.

While no security policy or practice is 100 per cent safe, following are five easy steps to protect yourself from the vast majority of risks.

1. Install a reputable anti-virus program and keep it updated

Anti-virus software can detect a myriad of computer viruses, Trojans and worms and either delete or quarantine them before they damage your computer. But it is vital that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. The BBC News reports the number of known viruses exceeded 100,000 in 2004 and the number of new viruses detected grew by 50 per cent. You should update your anti-virus software weekly.

2. Install a reputable firewall program

A firewall acts like a guard for your computer and nothing comes in or out without the guard's approval. With a typical Internet connection there are 131,070 ports (doors) on your computer that an attacker can get through. It is the job of the firewall to protect these ports, making sure no intruders enter.

3. Keep your operating system patched

Many operating systems, including Windows, have vulnerabilities or bugs in them that may allow an attacker to gain access to your computer. Once a system has been compromised it is extremely difficult to fix and will often require operating system reinstallation. A "patch" is an update issued by the software vendor that is posted on their website. It is important to keep your operating system patched and up-to-date.

4. Backup your data

Have you ever worked on a large document only to have the computer crash before you save your work? Very frustrating! Now imagine losing every document ever worked on, every email ever sent, and every invoice ever issued. This is not just frustrating - it can ruin your business. Some viruses and attacks can erase all data on a computer so it is vital to conduct regular backups. If you operate a business you should backup your data, to external media like a DVD or tape, daily.

5. Be wary of email attachments

You may have the best firewall available but a firewall will not stop an infected email attachment coming through. Updated anti-virus programs should stop these but some may still make it to your mailbox. It is wise to exercise caution before opening an email attachment. Ask yourself: do you know and trust the sender? Were you expecting the email? Does it appear suspicious? If in doubt delete the email unopened.