Your computer security doesn’t just comprise of anti-malware protection. A security solution should be comprehensive in nature and installing an anti-malware program is just a step taken to secure your computer from cyber attacks. However, you can achieve comprehensive security easily if you follow simple yet effective tips.
“It’s our ignorance that leads us to cyber traps.”
Hence, if you want to entirely safeguard your computer from every existing and upcoming cyber attacks in the world, use these easy tips. The article aims to educate you to about the loopholes in our security practices and help you defend your computers in a better way.
- Use/Buy a Licensed Operating System
Some of us ignore the importance of owning a genuine operating system copy. Genuine operating systems are least vulnerable to cyber attacks due to regular system updates supplied to it. System patches when applied regularly immunes the computer from maximum cyber attacks.
Note:- We strictly discourage use of key codes to crack operating system licenses.
- Update Your System Regularly
It is co-related to the very first tip of the article. Configure your computer for automatic updates. Hence, once updates are available, your system will be automatically download and install the updates on your computer.
For Windows, we recommend to install both mandatory and optional updates for optimal security.
- Secure Your Computer By:
- Installing Antimalware/ Antivirus Software
Microsoft says that 10% of Windows 8 users run expired antivirus solutions on their computers. It makes them 4 times more vulnerable to attacks. Hence, we recommend you to install a good security solution and update it regularly. Here’s a list of the best antivirus for your PC.
- Activating Firewall
A firewall monitors traffic on your computer. Make sure that your firewall is activated. Here’s an example of Windows firewall.
- Stopping Use of Cracked Software
Cracked software might have spyware attached with them. Hence, avoid using cracked software on your computer. Additionally, don’t click “Next” blindly while installing any software. Choose “custom installation” over “standard installation” to save yourself from installing PUPs.
We recommend to install applications that are authorized through CodeSign certificates. Also, it’s a safe practice to read user and expert reviews about the software before installing it.
- Backup Your Data Always!
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It is very important to backup your computer data. You can either store data on various storage devices or use online storage service. All you need to do is to backup your data regularly. Again, never upload your data unencrypted on any cloud storage services like Google Drive, DropBox, etc. You can use third party software to encrypt your data. You can easily find them online and it just takes few minutes to encrypt data.
To ease your job, you can also use software like Right Backup. It will automatically backup every data on your computer on cloud and it’s encrypted as well.
- Configure Your Equipment Correctly
Ensure that your servers and Wifi routers are configured correctly. It improves your security architecture. Also, modify default passwords to secure Wifi. Always choose encryption modes like WPA2 encryption to secure passwords.
Note:- Never make a transaction on public wifi.
- Don’t Use ‘Passwords’, Use Passphrases
Other than using different username/password combo for different websites, use complicated paraphrases that are easy to remember.
Example:- “IAmAgainstCybercrime”
Such passwords are a tough nut to crack.
- View SSL Certificates
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SSL certificates help users to check fraudulent activities and data breach. Hence, it is advisable to monitor SSL certificate of the sites you visit. It helps you to verify whether a site is safe for browsing or not.
- Use Data Recovery Software
You should own an effective data recovery software to mitigate data loss. You can try our Advanced Disk Recovery software for Windows to recover deleted files from your PC.
It restores all your files on your computer with a click.
- Modify Security Settings of Your Social Media Accounts
Ensure that security settings of your social media account are properly tweaked. They should be set to private. Moreover, do not open abusive posts on social media even it’s from your friend. It could be a malware in disguise.
- Avoid Storing Card Details On Websites
Avoid storing card information on websites that ask to save card details for faster transactions. You can check whether your card information is available on the web by searching for last 4 to 8 digits of your debit/credit card online with double quotes.
- Enable 2-Step/Multi-Tier Authentication
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A two step authentication feature add barriers while breaking into the system. A hacker who has cracked the password will require additional information (code or other key) to hack your data. However, never provide codes or OTPs that are created without your consent.
- Never Trust Emails That Are Too Good To Be True
It is the thumb rule to prevent email phishing attacks. Think logically while reacting on any email. See if you ever participated in competitions to receive those offers. Don’t give away financial details like card info. unless the site is reputable and owns a SSL certificate.
- Avoid Clicking Pop Ups While Surfing
Scareware and other malware use popups to victimize users. Such pop ups contain link to malware and if clicked can infect your computer. Therefore, never click a advertisement while surfing on websites especially unknown websites. Simply close it by clicking ‘X’ sign on the pop-up.
- Check Credit Card Statements
Check credit card statements to verify if you have already been hacked. Report immediately even if a single penny is deducted from your account. It could be a salami malware attack in which a small amount is debited from millions of account.
- What If You’ve Got Hacked?
First and foremost, change your passwords immediately if you can. Create a new password that is entirely different from your older password.
Further, you can contact NSA to report the event.
The list ends here! Hope we have educated you well with these 15 easy yet powerful tips to cyber-proof your computer. Follow these tips to prevent security breach. Also, share your feedback in the comments below.