1. Use a firewall on your home or work PC, a study found that 70% of US home owners of PCs did not have an up to date firewall installed, there are some free online, just Google Free firewall software. The firewall protects the ports on your computer that can be attacked from someone online, by restricting access to the programs on your computer.

2. Install an anti virus program, this will detect when you download anything that contains a virus or if it is has a Trojan horse (as in Helen of Troy-the virus hides in a zipped file, waiting to attack?) it is too late if you open the zip file. Most free anti virus programs will give an audible sound when 1 has been detected, so that you can delete it.

3. Never and I repeat Never open emails from anyone you do not know, do not even reply to them, because if you do they now have your name and IP address which can be traced back to your front door.

4. Do not leave your computer in public view when you are logged in or are logging in, people could be watching. Always check when using public computers that a key logger is not in the back of the computer it looks like a barrel and stores all keystrokes, so people can download your activity with account names and passwords, scary! Never save your passwords when you use computers in public libraries, other people could use your details!

5. Never log in to your bank account or Paypal account when you share a computer, no matter if it is in your dorm, unless you totally trust the person you share with. You would not want to find your account empties would you?

6. Never give anyone your log in details for any account- this can be used against you. It is just the same as shredding all your old bank statements; you would not want anyone to get their hands on them!

You may think it is extreme, but we have all our computers secured in PC enclosures, this provides them with a safe environment so physical security is guaranteed. No one can gain access to the computers with out actually opening the steel computer cabinet. If you follow the 6 tips above you will certainly be safer online. You do not need to purchase any software, just type the type of software you need into Google and you will find tonnes to choose from.

Also be aware of receiving PDF files in an email as there are new viruses around that are being distributed this way and take care online.