If you owned a restaurant, you'd lock the doors after closing, right?

If you owned a nightclub you'd hire bouncers to keep rowdy people out, right?

You'd be surprised how many Internet business owners fail to keep the gates closed tight... many are just begging for the hackers and viruses to strike with an attitude of apathy about security.

We're talking security in this week's article. I'll share with you some of the quick and easy strategies I use to keep hackers and other undesirables away from my precious computer, which after all is where my business is located.

Gotta keep it safe, sound and secure.

1. Get an anti-virus software. This is an absolute MUST. With the virtually overnight global spread of computer viruses due to the ever increasing use of email, viruses are on the rampant. Arm yourself with an antivirus package that you can update regularly for new virus definitions, to remain protected against the latest threats. There's a free antivirus package called InoculateIt that many people recommend: http://antivirus.cai.com/

2. Be paranoid of email attachments. Even with a cutting edge antivirus package, a virus might get through. Do not open attachments with suspicious looking extensions (no matter who they're from). Absolutely stay away from .exe and ..vb files, as these can be very malicious. In fact, disable these files via your email software (check out the help file if need be).

3. Install a firewall on your computer. A firewall software is a program that basically blocks outside access to your computer. Without a firewall you leave your computer wide open to hacker attacks... who can then gain total control over your computer and all your files. Could get very nasty. Do not spend another moment on the Internet without a firewall. It's easy to install and takes no time to get running. Here's a good firewall software: http://www.zonelabs.com/

4. Don't download just any file off the Internet. Be very careful what you download off the Net, as files might be laced with viruses (or trojan horses - programs which maliciously give hackers control over your computer). Only download files from sites and merchants you have researched and trust.

5. If you don't want others to have access to your computer while you're away from it, you can enable your screensaver password. You've probably seen this in action in computer stores: you approach this cool computer with a fancy screensaver dancing across the screen. When you press a key or move the mouse, you get an input box asking you for a password. To set the password go to "Display" in the "Control Panel" if you're on a Windows PC, then click on the "Screensaver" tab. You'll find a checkbox that says "Password Protected" - check it and set your password. By the way, this has nothing to do with the Internet. It's an "offline" security measure.

6. When you're not using the Internet, just disconnect. This will definitely stop the hackers... they can't enter through the powercord ;-)

Put these tips into action and prevent yourself later hassle and heartache. You'll be pleased to know that these simple steps can eliminate the majority of security threats you face as an Internet entrepreneur.

Remember the old business adage: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail".