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Top 10 Tips to help Secure your Computer
- 1. Ensure your operating system software is fully patched.
An un-patched operating system can be vulnerable to worms, Trojans, and other forms of attack. Ensure your operating system is kept up to date, and use automatic updates if possible. Many older operating systems are no longer supported by their vendors. You may need to upgrade your operating system to get the latest protection. - 2. Use anti-virus software and ensure it is kept up to date.
You can purchase anti-virus software from one of the major companies, or there are also free alternatives on the Internet. Some Internet Service Providers offer anti-virus software either free as part of their package or for an additional fee.
Outdated anti-virus software is only slightly better than no anti-virus software. The propagation of new viruses is a frequent occurrence, and many vendors now update their software almost daily. If possible, set your software to update automatically.
3. Use a firewall.
A firewall can help protect your computer from hackers, who scan for open ports. The firewall works by hiding those ports and blocking suspicious traffic. Many new operating systems come with a firewall already installed. Most are now enabled by default, but double-check yours to ensure it is enabled. There are also free alternatives available on the Internet.
4. Use anti-spyware software.
Spyware can track your Internet viewing habits and in some instances steal passwords and other information. One symptom of a spyware infection can be a sluggish computer. Scan your entire hard drive periodically and be sure to download/install updates as they become available.
5. Be careful of software downloaded from the Internet.
While free software can be a valuable resource, you need to ensure you are getting software from a reputable source. Read reviews before installing a particular piece of software and be sure to read the terms and conditions of its usage.
6. Be careful of links and attachments in emails.
Even when the email sender is known, attachments can contain viruses or other malware, and links can lead to malicious websites. Only open expected attachments/links. If in doubt, contact the sender to check on the legitimacy of the attachments/links in question.
7. Learn to recognize “phishing” emails.
“Phishing” emails purport to be from a financial institution or another website where you might do business. Their purpose is to trick you into revealing your logon credentials (or other personal information) via “fake” websites (made to look like the real thing). To help mitigate this risk, open a new browser window and type in the address for the website you wish to initiate business with.
8. Be careful about the information you give out online.
Only give out sufficient information for the services you require. When giving out credit card (or other personal) information, ensure you are on a secure webpage. Look for the little yellow lock, which will appear usually near the top or bottom of the page, depending on your browser and version. Know who you are doing business with.
9. Pay attention to pop-ups.
Be sure to read the information contained in pop-up windows before hitting the “OK” button. This can help to prevent malicious software from inadvertently being downloaded to your computer. To close these windows without hitting the “OK” button, use the “X” in the top right hand corner or use <ALT><F4>.
10. Stay alert and be diligent.
Ultimately, keeping your computer secure is up to you. Software can help with this task, but you must ensure it is kept up to date and remember that software can fail. In the event of a new virus, it is possible that your anti-virus software may not protect your computer. You must remain diligent in accessing the risk of email attachments/links. Pay attention to the website addresses where you do business. Be careful about what information you give out online.