User Account Control (UAC) is sold with Windows 7 and Vista, and this program will search for potential malware and viruses. Upon finding a threat, UAC will quarantine the affected area or repair it. It’s best to set this program to automatically update, because new malware and viruses are created all of the time so the UAC needs to be able to combat the next potential risk.

There is also a free antivirus program called Windows Defender, which aims to prevent malware, spyware and adware from breaching the system all together. As the computer’s administrator, you can choose which scans to run and when to run them.

In addition, you have the firewalls that block email traffic and risky websites. Through your Internet browser’s settings, you can adjust the security of your firewall.

Finally, you can have wireless network security. This is basically a log on that you use to access your wireless network, and it prevents hackers from retrieving your personal information including credit card numbers.

Antivirus protection can be an added cost, but there are effective options that cost you nothing. Then it’s just a matter of installing them and regularly running and updating them, which can be made easier through the setting controls. Even if you browse the web only a few hours a day, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for malicious threats.

You can most likely find a self-defense class through a local gym or karate center. Going to a few sessions will give you the basics tips and techniques for dealing with attackers. If you prefer not to go to classes designated as “self-defense,” it can be beneficial to attend kickboxing classes. This will help build your confidence and body strength. Even if you start exercising to tone up your muscles and improve your hand and eye coordination, you will be going in the right direction.

One of the most important things to do is to acknowledge the stranger and let them know that you’re watching them and aware of their presence. By ignoring them, you actually invite them to try and steal from you or attack you.

Another lesson you will probably learn from the classes is how to guard yourself when you’re on the ground. To prevent the attacker from kicking your stomach or getting a hold of you, until you can pop up and stand your ground, it’s important to guard them with your hands and feet. You push your feet on the attacker’s legs so he/she stays off balance, which can give you enough time to stand up and get away. Self-defense is mostly about learning how to get those few seconds where you can get away to safety.

Whether you’re walking through a dark parking lot or at home alone, basic self-defense techniques will give you more confidence and personal security.

Some people who use Twitter or Facebook update their status almost religiously. Sometimes the updates are so regular that people can figure out exactly where you. This is where people’s personal safety can be at stake, because if you give out too much information about your location over the Internet, you can put yourself at risk. Although it might seem like fun to brag about wherever you’re going, you should think twice and maybe not be so detailed in your responses. It’s also wise to keep your location on your profile private or just enter the state and not your city. However, when it comes to your social media activity, it’s not just your personal security that you’re putting in jeopardy.

According to an article on Geeksugar, a UK-based website forecasted that homeowner’s insurance rates could increase due to social platform sites such as the ones mentioned above. These sites are not only connecting friends and family, but they are also used for business promotion and just for fun too. Could you imagine if your homeowner’s insurance company raised your rates by ten percent simply because you use these services?

With regard to home security, the problem isn’t necessarily checking in with people online and saying what you’re doing. The issue is with writing updates, which reveal that you’re not home. This is like an open invitation to burglars, and depending on how detailed you are, these lurkers might even know how long you will be gone.

When you look at these security concerns from this perspective, it will make you think twice when you’re writing updates on these social media sites. You can still have fun with these websites and stay in touch with friends and family, but you have to keep in mind that strangers can read this information too. In other words, choose your words wisely when using these sites and make sure to educate your children as well.

• Winterizing your car might be a foreign process to you, but if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. Gasoline as well as extra parts and labor for repairs are expensive, but if you follow the tips below, you can increase your mileage per gallon and preserve your car’s current parts for longer.
• Test your battery when it’s nearing the end of the warranty. If you notice corrosion (rust or a white dust) on the battery terminals and cables, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and water to remove it.
• Examine your engine’s belt for cracks, frays and missing pieces. When you have a slipping belt, it prevents your battery from recharging properly.
• Maintain a full tank of gas during the freezing weather. By running your gas tank down to the last drop before filling up, you risk the accumulation of moisture and ice in your fuel lines.
• Check your air filter to see if it needs replaced. This is especially important in cars with a fuel-injected engine, because if the air filter is dirty, the sensor might call for more gasoline when you really don’t need it.
• Monitor your tires when the temperature drops, because they will usually run low in cold weather. Don’t forget to make sure that your spare tire is filled up too.
• Consider investing in snow tires. All-season radial tires do work well in snowy areas, but if you’re near the snow belt or are constantly commuting in the bad weather, snow tires will make your car a little safer.
• Change your antifreeze according to the manufacturer’s specifications, because this liquid shields your vehicles cooling system.

It’s easy to hop in your car and go without checking any of these issues, but your neglect will catch up with you eventually. Keeping tabs on your car increases your safety, and it also improves your mileage.

Benefits of Tasers

First and foremost tasers are not anything like guns. Instead of shooting out deadly bullets, they shock a person just enough to stun them. When an assailant is coming after you, it’s important to have those few seconds to get away and contact 911.

Second, tasers will enable you to subdue an intruder without having to kill them. How would you feel if you shot a person to death? Although it’s your number one priority to protect yourself and your family no matter what, something like this would definitely weigh on your conscious regardless if the killing was due to self-defense.

Third, tasers are handheld and just as compact as guns. So if you’re comfortable defending yourself with a gun, using a taser will be an easier transition than you think.

Last but not least is the simple fact that you won’t need a gun in your home. Although guns can be effective methods for self-defense, there are cases where horrific accidents have happened at home.

Risks of Tasers

Along with benefits, there are some risks or downfalls to keeping a taser in your home. Although they’re not meant to kill, some studies have shown the electric shock to be powerful enough to kill some individuals. If you decide to keep a taser in your home, you will still want to use precaution and keep it away from your children.

Also, using a taser is different than a gun, because you will have to be close to the intruder in order to stun them effectively.

Whether you use a gun or a taser to protect your family, there are risks and benefits for both. However, if you at least keep a taser and pepper spray in an accessible area of your home, you will have a chance at escaping your home if an intruder becomes violent.

• Viruses such as Trojan horses can steal or change the existing data on your computer, which is why it’s beneficial to maintain those anti-virus and firewall software. Without these methods of protection, your computer is susceptible to hackers.
• Spyware and adware can also be a mode for hackers to tap into your computer. A way to prevent these hidden software programs is to run a spyware scan regularly.
• Always update your software when you’re given the option. Some updates include patches that fix areas of weak security, so set your computer to automatically update.
• Check your computer settings and adjust the level of security for your Internet browser so it’s high.
• Monitor your software programs and look out for unused ones. Some might be vulnerable to attack, and why keep them if you don’t ever use them?
• Create a username and password for each person who accesses the computer. This will prevent someone from accidentally or purposefully accessing or altering your files.
• Set boundaries and guidelines for the computer if you have multiple users. This is especially important for children who might give out personal information freely without realizing the consequence.
• Password protect all confidential and personal information, so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Choose a password with letters and numbers that would be too hard for someone to guess.
• Learn how to erase sensitive files properly. Deleting the file from your desktop doesn’t mean that it’s gone forever. You have to erase all traces of sensitive files.
• If you use your computer for work-related purposes, make sure you follow the corporation’s policies and guidelines for handling and storing company, consumer or patient data.

These will prevent hackers from gaining access to sensitive information. It also helps to organize your digital files and separate personal from business, so you can properly password protect them. If you use a jump drive, you can also password protect this information, but you should still have a safe keeping place for it.

First, it’s important to have a plan of action prepared ahead of time. You might never be in the situation where your home when a burglar ransacks it. However, wouldn’t you rather be ready for it if such a horrible event would take place? If you live with a roommate or have a family, it’s imperative to discuss the plan with them too.

As soon as you know that burglars are in your home, be calm and quiet so you can listen and find out how many intruders there are. You can also determine if the intruders are coming near you or if they’re just ransacking your house. Depending on your personal preference and location in your home, you can either escape or barricade yourself in the room. Either route will enable you to get a moment to call the police. If you choose to stay and call the police, shout to the burglars and let them know that the cops are on their way.

When dealing with the burglars, it’s best to deal with them indirectly. If you confront them, they could have a gun and you could be in a life or death situation. The only cause for confronting them would be out of self-defense. Although you might think carrying a weapon and confronting the intruders is a sure fire way to get them out of your home, it might surprise them and cause them to act more violently.

It’s beneficial to have a plan, because you have a better chance of staying safe and getting help fast. If you and your spouse or you and your roommate are debating about what to do, the burglar could hear you. You also might forget to use basic safety precautions that you already have setup such as your alarm system’s panic button. Figuring out what to do now is much better than being panicked and putting yourself in danger.

Cars are targeted if they have visible valuables. Maybe you keep a pair of designer sunglasses hanging from your rear view mirror or have your GPS unit hooked up. These are big no no’s, because it just makes your car more of a target for burglars. Take these items inside with you in a purse or laptop bag, or at least hide them under the seat so they are out of sight.

Always park as close as you can to your destination and under a well-lit area when possible. If you work late at night or only have time to grocery shop during the evening, wait for a spot to open up that is right by the door. You could even move your car during the day while you’re at work if you couldn’t get a closer spot when you came in-your employer should understand. Sometimes employers even have guards on staff or there might be a police officer at the grocery store to escort you out. It might seem like a silly idea to you, but it could protect your belongings and maybe save your life if someone has been watching your every move.

There is also a safer method for parking your car. For instance, by backing your car into the spot, you can leave quicker if a dangerous situation presents itself. Also, it’s wise to leave your engine running before getting out of your car, because if you see something peculiar, you can get out of there fast.

Some other ways to protect yourself in a parking lot include locking your doors as soon as you get in or out of the car, checking your back seat to ensure no one is hiding, and honking your horn or flashing your lights if a stranger approaches your car.

Public parking lots are open to everyone, so these might be the most dangerous. However, you should still be cautious and aware in your work parking lot too. A thief could wander in, hide and catch you when you least expect it.

Along with having immediate and adequate shelter that is constructed from weather-resistant materials and a secure lock, you also need to stock it with basic provisions. The U.S. Department of Justice Emergency Preparedness handbook suggests having the following supplies stored in a safe room:

• Nonperishable food
• Safe water supply
• First aid kit with necessary medications
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Clothes
• Sanitation supplies
• Important documents
• Extra pair of glasses
• Blankets
• Credit cards and cash
• A roll of duct tape
• Potassium-iodine tables (to prevent radiation sickness)

Other safe haven supplies you might consider include gas masks, toilet facilities, stove and fuel, radio, change of clothing, books, games and any other luxury items that would make you feel more at ease.

In addition to creating an emergency kit, you need to designate a space for your internal room. Reinforcing a bedroom or hall closet might be a convenient spot for you to slip into when necessary. You will also need basic communication equipment to contact the authorities, family, friends or neighbors. Although some manufacturers say you can make a panic room sustain a small family for one month, you probably don’t want to stay in it for that long. However, if you have the funds to equip your safe haven with a toilet facility, shower, wet bar and other luxuries, then prepare for the worst scenario.

When looking into safe rooms, don’t be surprised if the manufacturers don’t disclose too much information. You’re paying for privacy and that is what you’re getting. However, if you’re unable to build a high tech room, at least designate a room for emergencies. This should be an closed area with some storage where everyone fits comfortably. Your emergency kit should be stored here, and all of your family members should know to meet here.

First, you should call the local police department so you can fill out a report and file a claim. While you wait for the officer or if you have to go down to the station, it’s best to stop for a moment and make sure you’re not harmed. When the body’s adrenaline is flowing, it can distract you from pain. Another thing you should do is try to remember what the robber looked like and immediately write down any significant traits for the report.

Although you might still be in shock and a little shaky from the experience, it’s best to contact all of your financial institutions as soon as possible. This includes credit card companies and banks. By informing them of your stolen cards and identification, you increase your chances of protecting your identity as well as your assets. You don’t want to be held responsible for charges that you didn’t make to your credit cards.

It’s also beneficial to contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, because some of the loss might be covered. However, this depends on your individual insurance’s policy and plan.

Among the chaos, you should try to recollect what items were stolen. What did you have in your purse? Maybe your cell phone, other electronics and extra keys to your house or car. If your keys have been stolen, you should change your locks as soon as you can as a precaution. You never know how long the thief was following you.

Some other helpful tips include writing in your credit card’s signature space, “ask for ID,” hiding your valuables and being cautious of strangers. Someone can rob you at any time of the day, so it’s important to stay on alert at all times. Also, if you can avoid late night shopping, that is a good idea too.