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In the modern world, technology is constantly developing, and almost everyone is the owner of at least one digital device. However, along with the benefits, technology also introduced cybercrime, which evolves rapidly and takes new forms daily. For instance, ransomware attacks are growing more than 350% annually, according to Cisco.
For an average person, it is hard to keep track of all the new threats that are out there. It may also be very challenging and time-consuming to make all your devices protected.
So here we gathered several simple steps for you to take in order to up your game and be more proactive with your computer security.
Install antivirus protection. Antivirus software is essential for your computer’s safety. There are many paid for and free options out there, that have different features and offer various types of protection. If you are lost and do not know which one to select, you can compare antivirus programs on FindReviews and similar to see which one will suit your needs best. However, ensure that the software you choose protects against spyware. We highly recommend that you use kaspersky antivirus because it is a program designed to protect users from malware and is primarily designed for computers running Microsoft Windows and macOS.
Install a firewall. It is responsible for blocking unauthorized access to your network by blocking ports so that no harmful information enters your system and gets spread between devices. Some OS have a firewall already built in and turned on.
Keep your software updated. Make sure that you use the latest versions of all your programs, as they are often security patches that contain improvements and fixes. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in the older versions of software. However, to be on the safe side, when you see a pop-up about the newer version available, make sure to search for the latest updates on the company website, before installing it.
Use strong passwords. They should be long and hard to guess. It’s best to use random characters and include letters and special symbols too. Change your passwords frequently and never repeat them or share them with anyone else. You can consider using a password manager, which will securely store your passwords for you.
Beware of suspicious emails. Spam filters not always catch emails that contain malware. If you see some strange, usually official-looking email, where you are asked to provide some personal or financial details, most likely it is illegitimate and should not be trusted. Also avoid opening any attachments in emails, as they are the main cause of infection.
Practice safe browsing. Avoid visiting unknown, potentially harmful websites, especially those that offer illicit content. Adjust the level of privacy and security in the settings of your browser. Don’t click on untrusted links and download software only from reliable resources.
Consider using a VPN, which encrypts your Internet traffic. Plus, it keeps you protected when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Create backups. In the event of a cyber attack or data loss, the only way to recover your files is by restoring a backup. So even if it may be tiresome to create backups on a regular basis, you will be grateful later. Make sure to store your backups in more than one location, so that if one of them is compromised, the other one will remain intact.
Be cautious about using external devices. Try not to use USBs, flash drives, or other externals devices, if you are not their owner, as they may be infected with viruses. If you have to use someone else’s device, be sure to scan it with your antivirus prior to using it.