Security in a computer is important the protection of the information it contains. Data systems can be servers or desktop machines with private data. Security on the machine and the network prevents hackers and thieves from retrieving private data. Encryption jumbles the data communicated over the Internet or on the network, so theft of the data stream leaves the hacker with unintelligible data. Combining these 2 security measures protects private data, reducing the chance of identity theft or the loss of sensitive data.

• Add passwords to any shared drive or resource. This has passwords while logging in workstations or servers, and restricting access to directories. Allowing only access to users who are a part of the domain, and block the access for the local system account.

• Use encryption on outgoing information like email. Encryption can be applied at the server level, or can buy a copy of PGP, which is a program that encrypts information, mails and other files. PGP encrypts information using a key produced on the system. Users are provided a public key to decrypt the data on receiving. PGP integrates well into email clients like Outlook.

• Apply a proxy server for outgoing web connections. A proxy server enables cleaning and funnels all outgoing web connections. This restricts access to websites that risks the data system security. It also enables checking web usage.

• Use encryption on wireless connections. Wireless routers have various alternatives for connectivity. If information is not encrypted, the information packets sent over the airways can be hacked by anybody inside the range of the signal. The 2 main wireless encryption choices are WPA and WEP. WEP has been found to be less safe than WPA, so set wireless routers to WPA encryption.

• Use routers that provide firewall capabilities. A firewall is a software function that runs on a router. It blocks incoming communication from anonymous Internet user while allowing internal workstations to access the Internet. For the best security, set your router to block all incoming requests on the router.