In any office, especially an insurance office, you’re going to be spending most of your time in front of a computer screen. Sending emails, creating slide shows, putting together Excel spreadsheets: it’s all there. Most of what we do is done on computers. Because of our reliance on hardware and software, computers are very important to how you do business, including selling insurance.

You have so many indispensable files and documents on your hard drive that if you were to lose them, you’d be at a total loss. That’s why we’re dedicating this post to helping insurance agencies to prevent any software-related disasters, therefore keeping your sales efforts going.

1. Be wary of questionable software/emails: Most viruses are able to attack your computer as a result of the user downloading programs with hostile spyware and viruses attached. Software programs such as those that download files (songs and videos) to your hard drive are infamous for containing heavy amounts of spyware and bugs. Also, any software that seems made by an amateur or that does not have much credibility should be avoided. They often lack sufficient security and will damage your computer. When checking email, don’t open anything from someone you either do not know or looks suspicious.

2. When prompted, always update your computer: Sometimes when shutting down Windows you’ll be prompted to install some “necessary updates” for your operating system. Usually when you’re shutting down your machine, it’s the end of the day and you’re anxious to get home, therefore end up cancelling the installations. Big mistake. These updates are usually security updates in order to protect your computer against any new threats that may be out in cyberspace somewhere. Take the time and wait the extra ten or fifteen minutes. It could mean the difference between keeping all your work or losing six months of it.

3. Back up every file: Uploading files and documents to your agency’s server or an external hard drive is the most important thing to do while working. By uploading important documents onto your back up hard drive, you may eliminate the risk of losing them by 100%. If you get a virus and lose all your work, you’ll have the comfort of knowing it’s somewhere safe. Additionally, during a power outage, your computer could lose some unsaved documents you’re working on. Let’s say you’re working on some insurance marketing strategies and all of a sudden the power goes out. Because you haven’t saved or updated anything, you’ve just lost hours of work. Be sure to always save, save, save, and save again.

These are just a few ways to protect your computer. Normally, keeping your anti-virus firewall running constantly and not visiting sketchy websites will also keep your computer safe. You don’t want to be that person in the office that loses everything. Be smart and remember: Back your files up! It’s harder to sell insurance without them.