Quick Tips for Church Computer Safety

Here are some quick tips we ask all our church staff to abide by in order to keep their own, the churchâs, and other people’s data secure. The applications we use are listed (and we believe they are all great), but there are other great apps to use as well.

  • File Storage – Store everything in Dropbox.  It is our backup software.  We can get your stuff back if your computer crashes. Do not keep stuff on your computer hard drive, desktop, or anywhere other than Dropbox.
  • Passwords – Use a secure password management system. Even a secure digital note is better than a sticky note on your desk.  Our recommended password app is 1Password.  Further, use different passwords for all your accounts, so if one is compromised, they are not all compromised.  Change your passwords often.  Use two-factor authentication when available.
  • Accounts – You should be the only one that knows your passwords and has access to your accounts.  If you have a spouse or kids, they cannot know the password to your work account (the computer, your email, church database, etc.).
  • Home Computers & Devices – If you have home computers with any type of church data on them, you cannot have a shared login account with family members.  You are required to have separate accounts set up on the computer and your account on the computer must be password protected.  It can be tricky, but this really applies to access your iPad, iPhone, etc… as well, if they have church files on them.
  • Autolocking All your devices – computer, phone, tablets, etc. – must be set to auto-lock after 5 minutes max.  Again, this also applies to home computers with church data on them.  Never leave your computer unattended.
  • Virus & Malware Protection – You should have up-to-date virus and malware protection on your computer.  This applies to Mac products too.  The church provides protection for your work computer through BitDefender.  If you do not have protection on your home computer you are responsible for purchasing adequate protection or removing any work files/accounts/programs immediately from the computer.
  • Updates – You should make sure your computer and all devices are up-to-date with all the latest patches and upgrades. This applies to both the operating system and applications. 
  • Use a Firewall – This is a feature in the operating system that makes things safer. You can easily turn this on for both Windows and Mac.
  • Use Reliable Browsers – Chrome, Firefox and Safari.  If you are using a browser other than these three you must receive permission.
  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Use a VPN, especially when off the church and your home network. Our recommended VPN is NordVPN.
  • Enable File Extensions – Enable file extensions so you can see the entire filename.  Many viruses come with two extensions such as picture.jpg.ex, so be looking out.
  • Other Simple Things: Do not open files from people you do not know. Ignore emails that say you won a contest. Watch out for online and phone scams (Microsoft or Apple will not ask you to call them, neither will the IRS or your bank). Ignore pop-ups, especially inside web browsers, that state your computer has a problem. When installing software, watch for bundled software that installs several programs. Don’t click on things you are unsure about.
  • Finally, remember you have an ethical and legal responsibility to keep church data, especially people’s personal information, safe.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Leave a Reply to Clayton4081 Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13,425 thoughts on “Quick Tips for Church Computer Safety

  1. It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I may I want to counsel you few attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article. I want to learn more things about it!

  2. Установите жалюзи с электроприводом для окон цена Prokarniz для удобства управления светом и обеспечения уюта в вашем доме.
    Такие жалюзи добавляют элегантности и современности в любой интерьер.

  3. An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat evaluation on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If doable, as you become experience, would you mind updating your weblog with extra details? It’s extremely useful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog put up!

  4. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the
    images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if
    its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  5. Откройте для себя жалюзи на окна с приводом Прокарниз, которые обеспечат идеальный контроль света и уюта в вашем доме.
    Встраивание в системы умного дома — еще одна функция, которая делает эти жалюзи привлекательными.

  6. Liste Des Codes Promotionnels 1xbet : obtenez un code promo 1xBet bonus de bienvenue de 100% jusqu’a €130 sur les paris sportifs ou €1950 avec 150 tours gratuits sur les machines a sous. Les joueurs doivent avoir au moins 18 ans et residant dans les pays ou l’activite de 1xBet est permise. Le bonus est destine aux nouveaux utilisateurs ayant utilise un code promo lors de l’inscription.