What steps need to be taken to insure my computer network is protected from attack?

There are several steps that need to be taken to insure your computer or network are protected from attack. The expense and time required to secure your home computer or network is minimal to the possible time and expense required to
repair the damage of an attack on your system.

To help keep your computer network secure, follow these basic steps :

Step 1 - Use Anti-Virus programs
Step 2 - Keep your system patched
Step 3 - Be careful reading emails with attachments
Step 4 - Use a Firewall program
Step 5 - Back up important files and folders
Step 6 - Make strong passwords and don't use the same ones for everything
Step 7 - Use care when downloading and installing programs
Step 8 - Use a hardware Firewall
Step 9 - Use a file encryption program and access controls