It’s estimated that 30% of all computers in the world are infected with malware at any given time. Viruses, malware, and similar issues are huge problems for businesses, individuals, and everyone in between.
While this is true, you can protect your computer. The key is to utilize the best computer protection available.
If you want to protect your computer from hackers, viruses, malware, and more use the tips found here.
Keep Your Device Updated
Every operating system on your computer is updated frequently. The updates also include security patches that will fill in security holes before cybercriminals have a chance to use them.
While updates can be frustrating at times, they are much less inconvenient than dealing with a computer virus.
It’s best to enable automatic updates, along with running updates for certain programs, such as Java and Adobe. Also, pay attention to situations where you may need to uninstall an app because of vulnerabilities. For example, on Mac, you can do this by going to https://setapp.com/.
Before allowing updates, make sure you are connected to a secure connection, rather than being on a public one.
Create Strong Passwords
It’s also important to create and use strong passwords.
Some of the most common passwords – that you need to avoid at all costs – include:
If you use these, you ask for your computer to be hacked and infected with a virus.
You can help safeguard your data by creating complex, unique passwords. The very best passwords will include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. They will also be a minimum of eight characters long.
You should also avoid using the same username and password on different sites. If a hacker gets into one site, it will also leave the door open to all your others.
Install Antivirus Software
To avoid getting a virus on your devices while online, make sure you install and run quality antivirus software. Each day, new cyber threats are created.
These threaten all your online activity, including browsing, shopping, online banking, and even using social media.
A virus is a serious cyber threat, which is why you need to protect your computer from them.
Installing reputable antivirus software will help protect your device from phishing and other types of threats as you work or browse online.
Secure Your Network
Some computers connect to printers, files, or the internet using a Wi-Fi connection. Be sure this connection requires a password to access it and that you choose a strong password.
Don’t ever broadcast using an unsecure Wi-Fi connection. Instead, use WPA or WPA2 encryption.
In the past, WEP was strong enough; however, today it can easily be bypassed by professional hackers in just a few minutes.
It’s also not recommended that you broadcast the SSID. You will still be able to use your device to access it; you just have to type in the SSID and password.
If you have guests that use your internet often, consider creating a guest SSID. Along with being a different connection point, it should also have a unique password. That will prevent the possibility of your main network being hacked.
Avoid Internet Explorer
While some old habits die hard, it is a rather exciting time on the technology front. Today, there are countless browsers to use.
You can use Chrome, Opera, Firefox – and the list goes on and on. What you may not realize is that ALL these options are safer than Internet Explorer.
You can experience a security increase just by using a more secure browser. Also, when you opt to use a different browser, make sure you keep it updated.
Use a Firewall
When you install an antivirus program, you may think you have firewall protection automatically. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
PCs and Macs both come with pre-installed firewall protection. Be sure this is enabled to provide that additional layer of protection from malware and viruses.
Use Caution When Opening Email Attachments
Email services, such as Outlook and Gmail, request permission before you download an attachment. This is an important element in protecting your computer.
Some attachments can be dangerous.
While some email services include virus protection, emails that have viruses as an attachment may still make it into your inbox.
Sometimes, cybercriminals will work to spread a virus by spamming email after email. They will send malicious attachments in emails to several people.
Once the attachment is opened and executed, the virus will install in the background and start to work.
If you do not know someone who sent an email attachment, or if it appears to be a phishing attempt, ignoring it may be best. Make sure you only click on attachments or download files from your email if you know and trust the source.
It is also a good idea to disable image previews in your email settings. You can find this option in the “Settings” of your chosen email provider.
Don’t Skimp on Computer Protection
As you can see from the information here, there are more than a few ways to ensure computer protection. Be sure to keep the information here in mind, which will help you prevent viruses and malware from attacking your computer or network.
Are you searching for more helpful tips and information about your computer? If so, make sure you check out some of the other blogs on our site. We post new information regularly to help ensure you stay informed.