Spy vs Spy – The Spy Store
Security Alarm Systems
1850 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N6
http://www.spyvsspy.com/
W: 250-868-8812
F: 250-868-0008
Email: info@spyvsspy.com

Personal Internet Security

Another area of personal security that most people do not associate with personal protection is internet security. The most common misconception of ‘online’ security is that the internet exists in a whole different world. Most users simply do not realize how easy it is to track someone online. Simply by visiting a website you can be submitting browser information, geographical location, basic computer information and of course your physical internet address.

A few Basic Internet Privacy Rules:

1. Set the Ground Rules:

Make protecting your privacy a regular and important part of the online habits for your entire family. If you spend even a little bit of time thinking about the best ways to protect your personal privacy online, then it only requires a small amount of effort for you to prevent large problems from occurring. Create a written use agreement for the Internet and have your entire family sign it, so there will be less debate about what family members can and cannot do online.

2. Use Security Features:

Make use of the security features that your wireless network affords you. By taking advantage of these built-in security features, you can better control who has access to your Internet connection and when.

3. Control Pop-Ups:

Use the capabilities of your web browser to control the pop-ups and cookies that you are exposed to. Pop-ups may not be capable of causing harm by themselves, but they tend to also be associated with aggressive forms of advertising that can fraudulently attempt to obtain your financial and personal information. Use your browser capabilities to control what pop-ups and cookies you deal with while browsing the Internet.

4. Use Security Software:

Use privacy protection software applications, including anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall programs. These kinds of programs are often bundled in when you purchase a brand new computer. Some are even offered by your Internet service provider for free. If you do not already have them, they are well worth the investment if it means protecting your privacy online.

5. Schedule Regular Updates:

Update your operating system and your privacy protection applications on a regular basis. These updates tend to be free to download, and can mean a lot for increased protection on your computer.

6. Use Strong Passwords:

Learn how to create the right types of passwords. Passwords should not be dictionary words, and should combine letters, numbers and special characters as well in order to be the most effective.

7. Keep Passwords Safe:

Keep a private record of the passwords, usernames and other vital information for every member of your family. Keep this information away from your computer, rather than storing it online where other people can potentially get a hold of it. I recommend using RoboForm, a password management software program – not only does it generate passwords for you but it will store them all in one place that you can access with a master password.

8. Don’t Share Personal Information:

Do not volunteer any personal information for any reason. If it is not required of you, simply do not provide it.

9. Use an Alias:

Use online aliases and nicknames whenever you can. Unless inputting your name is legally required, there is no reason to use it. Do not give out your true name, your phone number or your address to someone online unless you absolutely must.

10. Keep Family Internet Use Transparent:

Review the activities of your family as often as you can. If you find out that a family member is practicing bad habits for online security and privacy, set them straight and change those habits before a problem is born. You do not want the wrong people to find out important information about you or your family, so act accordingly when you spend your time online.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Internet-Security—10-Ways-to-Improve-your-Personal-Privacy-on-the-Internet&id=936383

Spy vs Spy – The Spy Store
Security Alarm Systems
1850 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N6
http://www.spyvsspy.com/
W: 250-868-8812
F: 250-868-0008
Email: info@spyvsspy.com

36 Ways to Improve Your Personal Security

The following is a list of some basic and very simple ideas to implement and hopefully get your creativity flowing into thinking of ways to live safely. It is the 20% of effort of prevention needed by you to achieve 80% of improved personal security:

1. Limit the amount of duplicates and access of your keys and keypad passwords.
2. Never ever hide keys outside. If you absolutely have to, don’t hide them all in the same place.
3. Always have multiple locks.
4. Get into the habit of keeping windows and doors locked, even in the summer months.
5. Consider installing double cylinder locks and deadbolts.
6. Install extra locks on windows and doors.
7. Be careful not to let shrubs and bushes around the house offer a potential burglar cover keep them trimmed at a conservative height and width.
8. Never throw personal mail in the garbage. Shred or burn it instead!
9. Enter into a safe watch agreement with the neighbors to keep an eye on each other.
10. Never list your telephone number.
11. Be especially vigilant of people who try to gain access to your home who might be posing as utility company personnel. This is a favorite tactic used against seniors. Check their identification through your door peephole viewer.
12. Always keep pen and paper handy, or even a digital camera to record any suspicious activity, and try to get license numbers, etc.
13. Record all of your home electronics equipment with serial number engraving kits, and also make a video recording of your possessions and hide it in an inconspicuous place, after labelling it something innocuous and totally uninviting like “Aunt Hilda’s Wedding, 1979″.
14. Never cooperate with telephone surveys or telemarketers. You have nothing to gain from this, plus, your time is far too valuable!
15. Never fall for a stranger asking for help if you are alone, or are not around witnesses.
16. Keep a mental picture of the area around the perimeter of your home and the items in it. Have they been moved? Could they have been moved into *that place* or *that position* by you or a member of your family?
17. Get to know the traffic patterns in your neighborhood and the vehicles that normally are around.
18. Vary your route when coming to and going home. Try to take different routes to and from work and try to vary your routine a bit. Remember, most breakins occur during daylight hours, or when thieves are most sure that you will not be home. Assume that they “cased” (staked out) your home.
19. Keep an eye out for someone following you, Without sounding alarmist, if you are a single female travelling alone and suspect you are being followed, make a series of turns, and if the car is still behind you in a way that defies logic, then bolt to the nearest police station. Also, try to think of potential “safe havens” on your way to and from on your daily routes.
20. If you are accosted or physically threatened, always yell “FIRE” and never “HELP”. Not that I have a totally dim view of humanity, but I bet more people will respond to the former as it includes their own self interest.
21. Park as close to the store as possible, and never in dark areas.
22. Don’t let yourself run below a half a tank of gas, you might need to do some driving you haven’t planned on due to some unforeseen emergency like a medical situation, etc.
23. Never open suspicious mail.
24. Build a safe room in your home, or, if you live in an apartment, plan an escape route to a friend’s house or somewhere safe.
25. Create or join a neighborhood watch program.
26. Maintain good lighting around all areas of your home: garden, garage, etc. If you live in an apartment building, make sure that the halls, parking lots, etc are all well lit.
27. Try putting a few of your inside lights and appliances on timers. They are pretty cheap, like under ten US dollars.
28. If you go on holidays, get neighbors to check on your home, and maybe even park in your driveway. keep the place “busy” looking,full of activity and unpredictable.
29. Use a home alarm. Period.
30. Get a video recording security system, or even dummy cams.
31. Watch the level of junk mail in your mailbox this is often a signal of nobody home. Keep batteries in your flashlights working! Same goes for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
32. Practice fire drills with your family. And create some incentives for the kids to make it fun for them!
33. Always have a cell phone on hand.
34. Put emergency telephone numbers in your speed dial, or even better, memorize them.
35. Be wary of anything in the house that can be used as a weapon against you. Keep kitchen knives out of plain view, but somewhere where you can access them immediately if you need too.
36. Never put your name on your mailbox or a sign outside your home.

Source:  http://livesafely.org/home-security/36-common-sense-ways-to-improve-personal-security/

Spy vs Spy – The Spy Store
Security Alarm Systems
1850 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N6
http://www.spyvsspy.com/
W: 250-868-8812
F: 250-868-0008
Email: info@spyvsspy.com

Monday-Friday: 9am-5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment only.

Spy vs Spy – The Spy Store
Security Alarm Systems
1850 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N6
http://www.spyvsspy.com/
W: 250-868-8812
F: 250-868-0008