All of us have computers in our homes, and we are all looking for ways to ensure that our computer secure.
With everything from identity theft to the large-scale malware attacks happening at a staggering rate, it is important to find out ways that we can protect our privacy and our devices.
The 15 suggestions below will help you make your computer more secure than ever before in just a few easy steps.
1. Turn off WIFI when available
WiFi has become so ubiquitous that it’s hard to remember a time when we didn’t have it. While it’s great to be able to connect to the internet whenever we want, there are some risks that come with using WiFi.
One of the biggest risks is that your data can be intercepted by someone else if you’re not using a secure connection. This means that if you’re using public WiFi, someone could potentially access your emails, social media accounts, or even your bank account.
To protect yourself, it’s important to only use WiFi when you’re on a secure connection. When you’re at home, make sure to use a VPN or other security measure to protect your data.
And when you’re out and about, only use trusted WiFi networks, such as those at coffee shops or libraries.
Use strong passwords Another way to protect your computer is by using strong passwords. A strong password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
You should never use the same password for more than one account,
2. Keep your software up to date
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your computer secure is to ensure that all your software is up to date.
Install security updates and patches as soon as they are released by the software vendors. This includes updates for your operating system, web browser, and any other programs you have installed on your computer.
Some software programs will even update automatically. Enable this feature if it is available.
Keeping your software up to date will help protect your computer from new security vulnerabilities that have been discovered.
3. Change your passwords
One of the best things you can do to secure your computer is to change your passwords regularly.
This helps to prevent hackers from accessing your account and stealing your personal information. It is also a good idea to use different passwords for different accounts.
This way, if one of your passwords is compromised, the others will still be safe. try to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for your passwords.
The longer your password is, the more difficult it will be for hackers to guess it. Never write your passwords down or store them in a file on your computer.
If you need help remembering them, you can use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password.
Finally, make sure to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and can help to keep them safe from potential attacks.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of security that can be added to your online accounts.
It works by requiring you to enter both a password and a second factor, such as a code sent to your phone, in order to log in. 2FA adds an extra barrier to your account, making it much harder for hackers to gain access.
Even if they manage to get your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor. If you’re not already using 2FA, it’s a good idea to enable it on any accounts that offer it.
Many popular services, such as Gmail and Facebook, support 2FA.
To enable 2FA on your Gmail account, go to the “Security” tab in your settings and scroll down to the “2-Step Verification” section.
Click “Enable” and follow the prompts. You can also use a service like Authy or Google Authenticator to generate codes for 2FA.
These apps can be used with many different websites and services, not just Google.
5. Install and Update Antivirus Software
One of the most important things you can do to keep your computer safe is to install and update antivirus software.
Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from malicious software, or malware. There are many different types of antivirus software available, so it is important to choose one that is right for you.
Some antivirus programs are free, while others must be purchased. Once you have chosen an antivirus program, it is important to keep it up to date.
Antivirus software works best when it is constantly updated with the latest definitions of viruses and other malware.
If you are not sure whether or not you need antivirus software, there are many resources available online that can help you make a decision. However, installing and updating antivirus software is always a good idea to help keep your computer safe.
6. Password Protect Your Windows PC
1. Use a strong password for your Windows account. A strong password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Never use the same password for more than one account. If someone gets ahold of your password, they will have access to all of your accounts.
3. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
4. Keep your operating system and software up to date. Many security updates are released to fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
5. Use a firewall to block unwanted incoming connections. A firewall can help stop hackers from gaining access to your computer.
6. Install anti-malware software and run regular scans. Anti-malware protection can help remove malicious software from your computer and prevent it from infecting again in the future.
7. Use Anti Clipboard Image Software
Have you ever accidentally copied an image of your credit card or social security number to your clipboard and then saved it to a public website? If you have, you’re not alone.
Most people don’t know that the images they copy to their clipboard are actually stored on their computer. This means that if you copy an image of something sensitive, anyone who has access to your computer can see it.
There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. One is to use anti-clipboard image software. This type of software prevents images from being copied to your clipboard.
Another way to protect your information is to use a password manager. This type of software stores your passwords in a secure location so that only you can access them.
Finally, you should always keep your computer updated with the latest security patches. This will help to prevent hackers from being able to access your personal information.
8. Install Anti Keyloggers Software
There are a few things you can do to make your computer more secure from keyloggers. One of the most effective is to install anti-keylogger software.
Anti-keylogger software works by monitoring the activity on your computer and identifying any potential threats. Once it detects a keylogger, it will block it from executing. Another way to protect your computer from keyloggers is to use a virtual keyboard.
A virtual keyboard is an on-screen keyboard that you can use to enter information. This type of keyboard is difficult for keyloggers to track because they cannot record the keys that are being pressed.
You can also use a physical keyboard cover to prevent keyloggers from recording your keystrokes. Keyboard covers are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Finally, you should always be aware of the programs that you are installing on your computer. Make sure that you only download programs from trusted sources and that you understand what the program will do before you install it.
9. Surf Wisely -Stay Away from Suspicious Links and Websites
The internet can be a great place to find information and connect with friends and family. However, it is important to be careful when surfing the web.
There are many dangers that can lurk online, so it is important to be aware of them. One of the most common dangers is clicking on a malicious link.
This can lead to your computer being infected with malware or viruses. Another danger is visiting suspicious websites. These websites may contain harmful code that can infect your computer or steal your personal information.
To stay safe while surfing the web, only click on links from trusted sources. Be wary of clicking on links in emails or on social media sites.
If you are unsure about a website, do some research to see if it is reputable before visiting it. Keeping your computer secure should be a top priority.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your computer safe from harm.
Conclusion
By following the tips in this article, you can make your computer more secure without spending any money. Just by taking a few minutes to update your software and change your passwords, you can go a long way towards protecting yourself from attackers. So don’t wait — get started today and make sure your computer is as secure as it can be.