Laptops are an easy target, both from thieves operating nearby and others on the Internet. Portable cable locks can protect you from computer theft, and software tracking devices can be purchased that broadcast their presence on the Internet the first time a stolen computer goes online.

Any computer you buy today should include virus protection and, for younger users, parental controls. Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard include parental controls for limiting the time, specific Internet access and activities on computers. It's also smart to place the family home computer in a public area where parents can oversee a child's digital activity.

Virus protection is a must. Bruce Cowper, Microsoft Canada Chief Security Advisor, warns that today's massive social networking activity -- there are 700,000 Facebook users in Calgary and more than two million in Toronto -- brings certain risks.

where phishing [luring unsuspected users to a fake Internet site] is becoming more common on social networking sites than traditional e-mail," he said. "There is an implied trust when you log in your social networking site that everything will be fine. That's not the case anymore."

Cowper said antivirus, phishing and spam software from McAfee, Symantec or Microsoft's subscription-based Windows Live OneCare, constantly monitor and compare background online activity for possible malicious intrusions.

"Even the most careful and seasoned computer users can't do without proper antivirus software," said Cowper.

© The Vancouver Sun 2008