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 canada pharmaceuticals Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

4,144 thoughts on “Quick Tips for Church Computer Safety

  1. Hey would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  2. Unlock your images with WebPtoJPGHero.com, the simple, free solution for solving WebP compatibility issues. While the WebP format helps websites load faster, it can leave you with files you can’t easily edit or share. Our online tool provides an instant fix, transforming any WebP image into a high-quality JPG that works seamlessly across all your devices and applications. You can fine-tune the output quality to balance clarity and file size, and even save time by converting an entire batch of photos at once. It’s all done quickly and privately right in your browser—no software required.
    WebPtoJPGHero.com

  3. JPG Hero converter is an online image converter built for speed, simplicity, and accessibility. This web-based platform allows instant conversion of popular image formats such as PNG, WebP, and BMP into JPG files. No downloads, installations, or user accounts are required. The entire process happens in-browser and takes only a few seconds. Users can upload up to 20 files at once for batch conversion, making it suitable for individuals and professionals managing multiple images. All uploaded files are automatically deleted after processing to maintain privacy and ensure data security. JPGHero.com is compatible with all modern devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, offering flexibility for work on the go. Whether the goal is to reduce image file size, prepare visuals for the web, or standardize a project’s image format, this tool delivers clean, reliable results without any extra steps.
    JPGHero

  4. Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your design. Thank you

  5. JPG Hero converter is an online image converter built for speed, simplicity, and accessibility. This web-based platform allows instant conversion of popular image formats such as PNG, WebP, and BMP into JPG files. No downloads, installations, or user accounts are required. The entire process happens in-browser and takes only a few seconds. Users can upload up to 20 files at once for batch conversion, making it suitable for individuals and professionals managing multiple images. All uploaded files are automatically deleted after processing to maintain privacy and ensure data security. JPGHero.com is compatible with all modern devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, offering flexibility for work on the go. Whether the goal is to reduce image file size, prepare visuals for the web, or standardize a project’s image format, this tool delivers clean, reliable results without any extra steps.
    JPGHero

  6. First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Many thanks!

  7. As in the rest of my posts on the absorbing subject of erotic interests,most of my points here will be grounded in Ogi Ogas and Sai Gaddam’s Internet-based research project—out of which emerged a volume of truly awesome scop Entitled A Billion Wicked Thoughts: What the World’s Largest Experiment Reveals About Human Desire,ラブドール エロ

  8. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!

  9. Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

  10. Je suis totalement pixelise par RollBit Casino, on dirait un labyrinthe de frissons numeriques. vibre avec une matrice de jeux varies. comprenant des jeux de casino adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. est un virtuose de la structure. assurant un support de casino immediat et structure. fluisent comme une sonate structuree. quand meme des tours gratuits pour une melodie structuree. Au final, RollBit Casino est un casino en ligne qui deroule une symphonie de bits pour les joueurs qui aiment parier avec style au casino! En bonus la plateforme du casino brille par son style bit. ce qui rend chaque session de casino encore plus pixelisee.
    dune rollbit|

  11. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome web log!

  12. Adoro a onda sonora de JonBet Casino, oferece uma aventura que vibra como uma corda de harpa. Tem uma enxurrada de jogos de cassino irados. com caca-niqueis modernos que ecoam como sinos. O suporte e um reverb preciso. garantindo suporte direto e sem silencio. Os saques vibram como harpas. em alguns momentos queria mais promocoes que ressoam como corais. Resumindo, JonBet Casino garante um jogo que ressoa como um sino para os exploradores de jogos online! De lambuja a interface e fluida e ressoa como uma harpa. dando vontade de voltar como uma vibracao.
    cГіdigo promocional da jonbet|

  13. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will likely be grateful to you.

  14. WebPtoJPGHero converter is an online image converter built for speed, simplicity, and accessibility. This web-based platform allows instant conversion of popular image formats such as PNG, WebP, and BMP into JPG files. No downloads, installations, or user accounts are required. The entire process happens in-browser and takes only a few seconds. Users can upload up to 20 files at once for batch conversion, making it suitable for individuals and professionals managing multiple images. All uploaded files are automatically deleted after processing to maintain privacy and ensure data security. WebPtoJPGHero is compatible with all modern devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, offering flexibility for work on the go. Whether the goal is to reduce image file size, prepare visuals for the web, or standardize a project’s image format, this tool delivers clean, reliable results without any extra steps.
    WebPtoJPGHero

  15. Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just cool and i can think you are an expert in this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to snatch your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please carry on the rewarding work.

  16. Ремонт телефонов Ремонт телефонов: Ваш телефон сломался? Не спешите расстраиваться! Наш сервисный центр предлагает полный спектр услуг по ремонту телефонов всех марок и моделей. Мы быстро и качественно устраним любые неисправности, от замены экрана и аккумулятора до сложного ремонта материнской платы. Используем только оригинальные запчасти и современное оборудование. Доверьте свой гаджет профессионалам и забудьте о проблемах! Гарантия на все виды работ.