MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER IS SECURE AT ALL TIMES.

We've all heard about computer hacking and identity theft by unscrupulous characters who infiltrate computer files or financial account through unsecured WiFi access, virus infiltration, or email "phishing" scams. To prevent access to your files, follow these five basic rules for computer security:

1. Change passwords and PINs regularly. Keep track of them in   a safe place, without identifying them.

2. Subscribe to a reputable computer antivirus software program with automatic updates.

3. Never give personal information to unrequested solicitations   online, over the phone, or in person.

4. Do not open links or download files from suspicious email       sources.

5. Only do online business with trusted, secure websites that     you choose to log onto.

It is also important to be careful about securing your emails, which may contain sensitive and personal information. To ensure this data isn't easily accessible to others if you happen to be separated from your computer, preset your computer to go into "sleep" mode after a short dormant period, requiring a password to log bak on for resumption.