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 pharmacy online Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

27,495 thoughts on “Quick Tips for Church Computer Safety

  1. Приобретите современные рулонные шторы с электроприводом и насладитесь комфортом и современными технологиями в своем доме.
    Умные рулонные шторы с электроприводом — это удобное и практичное решение для вашего дома. Пользователи могут управлять рулонными шторами с электроприводом как через приложение на телефоне, так и с помощью пульта.

    Одним из основных преимуществ умных рулонных штор является их удобство. С помощью одного нажатия кнопки вы можете регулировать свет и тень в вашем помещении.

    Кроме того, эти изделия могут работать в режиме автоматизации. Настройка автоматического режима работы штор позволяет вам не беспокоиться о их управлении.

    Кроме того, умные рулонные шторы могут быть интегрированы с системой “умный дом”. Это значит, что вы сможете управлять ими совместно с другими устройствами, такими как освещение и отопление.

  2. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  3. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  4. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch simply because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your blog.

  5. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  6. I feel that is among the such a lot vital information for me. And i’m happy reading your article. However should commentary on some normal issues, The web site taste is ideal, the articles is in reality great : D. Excellent task, cheers

  7. трипскан вход Tripscan – это ваш верный спутник в планировании любого путешествия, будь то романтический уикенд, семейный отдых или деловая поездка, помогающий спланировать маршрут мечты.

  8. Рулонные шторы блэкаут с электроприводом идеально подойдут для создания уюта и контроля освещения в вашем доме.
    Электроприводные рулонные шторы блэкаут представляют собой. Рулонные шторы блэкаут надежно затемняют помещение, что дает возможность насладиться темнотой в любое время.

    комфортное управление. Управление шторами осуществляется при помощи пульта, что упрощает их использование в современном дизайне.

    К тому же, рулонные шторы блэкаут легко устанавливаются. Вы можете выбрать различные варианты крепления. Таким образом, вы сможете легко установить шторы на любые окна.

    высокую степень теплоизоляции. Эти шторы могут значительно снизить теплопотери зимой. В итоге, рулонные шторы с блэкаутом и электроприводом станут не только эстетичным, но и функциональным решением.

  9. I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered on your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very brief for newbies. May you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  10. I like the valuable information you provide to your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at again here regularly. I am reasonably certain I will be told plenty of new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!

  11. Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  12. Добрый день!
    Долго не спал и думал как поднять сайт и свои проекты и нарастить CF cituation flow и узнал от друзей профессионалов,
    отличных ребят, именно они разработали недорогой и главное буст прогон Хрумером – https://www.bing.com/search?q=bullet+%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BD
    Автоматизированный постинг для сайтов помогает быстро создавать ссылочную массу. Xrumer ускоряет процесс линкбилдинга. Программа размещает ссылки на форумах и блогах. Массовый прогон повышает DR и авторитет сайта. Автоматизированный постинг для сайтов – современный метод SEO.
    analysis seo, 4 seo оптимизация, линкбилдинг вакансии
    Автоматический прогон статей, продвижение сайта в интернете методы, ру сео
    !!Удачи и роста в топах!!

  13. Стройкаталог https://stroycata1og.ru проекты коттеджей, дома любой площади, каталог стройматериалов. Комплексные услуги от проектирования до сдачи объекта с гарантией качества.

  14. Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thanks one million and please keep up the enjoyable work.