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.
Posted on
Category: Uncategorized

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

28,744 thoughts on “Quick Tips for Church Computer Safety”

  7. Коллеги, кто глубоко копает тему, обратите внимание на раздел про инструменты. Автор подробно сравнивает облачные сервисы и самостоятельную накрутку через BAS/Monstro. Очень правильно написано про необходимость мобильных прокси, реальных фингерпринтов и нагуленных кук — это 90% успеха, чтобы не получить роботность в Метрике. Цены на самостоятельную накрутку (от 30к в месяц на инфраструктуру) тоже реалистичные. Статья в закладки: https://partnerkin.com/tribuna/blog-vitalivivdenko/nakrutka-pf-v-yandekse-polnoe- . Полезно и для новичков, и для профи.

    Reply

  28. https://betfun.cat/
    Betfun sobresale en el mercado argentino de apuestas como una propuesta integral operada por Track Gaming Buenos Aires S.A., poniendo a disposicion 500 opciones de casino y presencia de mas de 30 deportes. Operando con pesos argentinos (ARS), la casa de apuestas da la bienvenida a los recien llegados con un premio por sumarse de $15,000 ARS gratis al crear una cuenta, ademas de un match del 100% en el primer deposito para potenciar los primer credito.

    Reply

  30. https://betwinner.cat/
    Betwinner se ha establecido firmemente en el mercado argentino para este ano como una plataforma lider en apuestas deportivas y juegos de casino, gracias a su adecuacion para el usuario de Argentina con transacciones en ARS y bonos de bienvenida que llegan hasta los $94.250 ARS.

    Reply