Take care when filing taxes online

Bellingham Data Doctors owner says check for spyware

ANDY CAMPBELL

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When filing taxes online, individuals and businesses can be vulnerable to identity theft. But there are ways to help prevent computer infections.

About 89 percent of consumer computers are infected with some form of spyware that could possibly expose their personal information, according to a Webroot Software consumer report.

Hackers will go to great lengths — even driving around town looking for unsecured wireless networks — to get personal information, said Mark Knittel, owner of two Bellingham Data Doctors locations.

Knittel had a few tips for protecting against these viruses, especially when filing taxes online:

Run a complete, manual virus scan. While there are numerous free virus scanners available online, Knittel said buying better virus-protection software is worth the money. It pays to have active, 24 hour protection.
File your taxes from a home computer. Avoid entering personal information on public, unsecured wireless networks.
If your home or business wireless network isn’t secured with a password, Knittel said to set one up. The process is relatively simple and always worth it.
If your computer is crashing regularly or has been running slow, it’s a good indication you’ve got spyware. Run virus protection software or get help from local computer businesses.
Check how many processes your computer is running. If the number is above 40 on computers with Windows XP, you most likely have spyware. To check, hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete, click “Task Manager” and then “Processes.”
Keep current with Microsoft security patches, available at Microsoft.com.
Be vigilant. Pay attention to details and never enter your personal information on an unsecured Web site.