When you are saving a document, do you stop to think about what type of information it contains, or what could happen should it fall into the wrong hands? Few people do, as they think that the information on their computer is safe. Unfortunately with the Internet it is fairly simple for anyone out there to access your computer and download any data that may be of use to them.

If you have a home or office computer you will want to ensure that no one can access it by locking it whenever you are away from your desk and ensuring that anyone trying to access your computer needs a password to do so. To set a password on your computer find your Control Panel and select User Accounts, then click the create password button. If you are on a network you may require your system administrator to sign in.

If you have MS Office 2007 it is simple to password protect any file you have by doing the following:

On the top-left of your document click the Office Button Click Prepare option and then select Encrypt Document from the list Enter a password and Save

MS Office 2007 makes it very simple to password protect your documents through a few simple steps:

With the document open, go to File | Save As At the very top of the Save As screen select Tools | General Options There will be presented with a Save Options screen Enter your password to open / password to modify or both and click OK You will be prompted to re-enter your password(s), click OK when done Then just Save the file

You will want to keep track of your passwords; otherwise you will not be able to open your documents!

Finally you need to ensure that should your hard drive malfunction or get wiped clean by a power surge that you don’t lose all the files that you have worked so hard to protect. Backing up your files gives you a second chance at the files you need if something happens to your computer.

There are several different ways to back-up your files:

1) CD-ROM: copying your files to a CD-ROM is simple and quick. Keep in mind that you’ll need to make a new CD regularly so your files are up-to-date.

2) USB Flash Drive: You can quickly copy files to small flash drive and keep it with you or in a safe place. Remember to regularly back-up your files so that they are as recent as possible if something should happen, and password protect the drive in case you should lose it

3) Off Site Storage: this is a simple way to keep copies of your files somewhere safe and secure. Simply copy them to a secure folder and be on your way. Most companies will charge a minimal monthly fee for this service, which is worth it knowing that your files will never get lost in a fire or flood should something happen at home or the office.