Blunder #1: You assume you're protected when you're not Your computer is fully protected only when your security software is activated and up to date. In a recent poll, the National Cyber Security Alliance and software maker McAfee found that nearly half of their users thought their software was protecting them when in fact it had not been updated. (For an annual fee, most products can update automatically.) And keep in mind that security software bundled with a new computer can expire within weeks.
How to protect yourself: First of all, make sure your computer security is activated whenever you're online. Check to see if your software has been updated recently (within the past week or so). If it's not, verify its automatic updating feature is enabled and that your subscription has not expired. If you have any questions, you can always contact your software company support line.