The safety of your personal computer is of utmost importance because you’ll be using it almost on a daily basis. You might have used your browser to save the passwords. You could lose a lot should such information fall into the wrong hands. You have to make sure that you’re using strong passwords and changing them on a regular basis. There are some measures you can put in place to ensure that your computer is being protected from viruses and malware and we’re going to highlight some of them so that you’re informed.
Check Your Firewall
Checking the firewall might sound like a complicated endeavor but is a straightforward process. If you run a windows-based computer, go to start menu and type in “firewall”. If the firewall is connected, there is nothing else you’re supposed to do. If you have a Mac computer, click on the Apple icon on the toolbar. Go to “system preferences” then “security” the “firewall”. It is important to ensure that you have a firewall setup which is the basis for security.
Backup Data
A lot of people will forget to back up their data and only come to regret when the computer has been stolen. There are a couple of options when it comes to backing up data and you should go for the one that you’re comfortable with. Backing up your data will also come in handy in the event of a computer crash or a system failure. Backing up manually can be time-consuming since you have to transfer the data manually to physical storage. You can opt for cloud storage for sensitive data. That way, you can access your files whenever you’re connected to the internet.
Avoid Rogue Websites
There are rogue websites that are after sensitive information about their users. Such websites are not likely to have SSL encryption. Never enter sensitive information on such sites. You will also need to be careful when shopping on websites from overseas because you might not know their real motive.
If it is Too Good to Be True
If there is a deal that is too good to be true then it probably is. The website could be collecting data. You will be in big trouble the moment you enter your credit card details. You’re probably aware of the prices of products or services. You should be worried if the deal is too good to be true.
Don’t Disclose Sensitive Information
It doesn’t matter the trustworthiness of the website, never disclose sensitive information. There is no website that will require that you disclose all your personal details. Make sure to pay close attention to social media usage as well. Hackers are now using social engineering to gain access to sensitive information. They look you up on your social media to know your exact location, home address and even what you like. It could be easier for them to impersonate you which will mean getting access to your private information.
Don’t Open Unknown Emails
You should never open an email whose source is not known. It could be a phishing attempt and you don’t want to find out the hard way. You could also get suspicious emails from people that you regularly communicate with. There is a high chance that the emails have been hacked. There are different Antivirus products that can help with email management. Such software usually has a database of millions of spam email addresses. They will be detected even before they get to your inbox.
What to Do If Your Computer is Infected with a Virus
Your computer could still get infected even when there is an antivirus. It is recommended that you reach out to a professional like PC Revive if you’re not savvy with computers. A whole scan of the computer will need to be done so that infected files can be isolated and cleaned. After getting rid of the virus, there should be mechanisms in place to stop future infections. You might have to change your current antivirus if it not effective. A good antivirus will warn you when visiting malicious websites. It is not worth trying to access such websites when the security of your computer could be compromised.
To sum it up, taking a proactive approach will ensure that potential problems with your computer are discovered early. Firewall protection is not enough. You need to have a robust antivirus that will stop malware from infecting your computer and even your phone.
