Six Ways To Protect Your Computer And Smartphone From Hackers, Worms, Viruses

Security has gotten very sophisticated. It is not easy these days to stay offline. We are always connected when we are using our computers. What that means we are exposed to many  potential online threats like virus, worms and even hackers. Security is no more a part-time job from your IT guys, your data lives on the web and cloud and it is important to stay vigilant yourself.

According to FBI and many security companies,  these are ways you can secure your computer and smartphone:

• Keep your firewall on: Firewalls protect your computer from hackers  who try to gain access to crash it or steal information. Software firewalls are widely recommended and come prepackaged
• Install or update your antivirus software:  Antivirus software is designed to prevent malware from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious codes, like a virus or worm, it works to disarm or remove it before it can do serious damage
• Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries—shop where you trust.
• Keep your operating system updated: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates
• Be careful on what you download: Carelessly downloading email attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant antivirus software. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be wary of forwarded attachments even from people you do know.
• Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being “always on” renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer’s resources to reach out to other unwitting users.

Please sign-up for a Cybersecurity Certificate course in Facyber to deepen your cybersecurity and digital forensics capabilities.