Cybersecurity is critical both for individuals and businesses of all sizes. An increase of the World Wide Web introduced a range of possibilities for the industries, but it also brought new downsides of connectivity. We use internet-connected devices in all aspects of life. People receive tons of spam every day, so they need to infiltrate accounts, and computer viruses wreak havoc on business networks. Viruses and malware could harm our files and steal personal data such as banking details and social security information. We prepare you for security solutions to rely on and protect a computer from viruses (e.g., Norton). Following the guide, you will always be confident that your computer is safe while browsing and staying aware of potential virus or malware signs.
- Antivirus software
Antivirus software protects your device from viruses that can destroy the data, slow down or even crash your device. With the help of an efficient antivirus program, you can scan files, check incoming emails for viruses and then delete those that can be malicious. Always check your system for viruses, especially if you download files from the web or check an email.
- Keep your device secure
First of all, you need to be confident that your software is installed correctly. Make sure that you have the latest version of the antivirus. Install antivirus software, and anti-spyware, and firewalls are also significant tools to protect your digital device.
- Keep your antivirus up-to-date
We recommend controlling and updating your system and browser regularly because old versions of antivirus software are inefficient. If you update an antivirus in time, you can eliminate software flaws that can assist hackers in detecting and steal some information from your system.
- Install a firewall
The best way to keep your computer safe is to prevent hacker attacks. For example, you can do it with the help of a firewall aimed to block attempts to gain access to your computer. Moreover, a firewall protects from viruses, malware, and other threats. So, check your computer whether it has installed a firewall or not because all Windows-based computers come with the Windows Firewall that is already preinstalled.
- Create a boot disk
There can be such situations when a malicious cyber-attack could compromise the computers with the best Internet security precautions. In fact, malicious software can be so destructive that it could corrupt the computer’s operating system, and it would not be easy to restore the information. You can create a boot disk on a USB flash drive.
- Configure strict web browser and email security settings
You can increase the level of cybersecurity by configuring strict security settings for a necessary web browser and an email application as well. For instance, we recommend you disable JavaScript since a variety of hackers usually use it. We recommend you disable the cookies in a web browser so that you’re the Internet could not fix your browsing preferences and habits.
- Do not install unknown programs
Many hackers hide Trojans inside programs, which means that you will have a high risk of being infected when you download a software program from an unknown website. Hackers often hide malicious software in popular games and screensavers because they are popular among users and are easy to download. Anyway, you do not have to download or run any types of programs when you are not confident that they are safe and legit. In fact, you should never download a program before scanning it with your Internet security software.
- Never open unknown email attachments or links
One of the most popular methods to communicate on the Internet is email. Therefore, email can often be attacked by hackers, and a user is tricked into sharing some personal information with identity thieves. You need to scan emails that you receive and never open their attachments or click on any links from unknown resources, even if a sender looks legit.
- Disconnect your computer from the Internet
If you leave your computer with a stable connection to the Internet, there is a high risk of being attacked. So, when you have finished what you are doing on a computer, do not forget to turn it off. You should disconnect it from the Internet to ensure that there is absolutely no possible way for an attack.
- Be careful what you share
In the present day, social media provides an opportunity for you to share information about all aspects of life. Still, it is important to control who has access to the information. The data can be stolen from social media postings and used to hack into other accounts or for identity theft. To protect yourself, you need to use privacy settings to limit the visibility of personal posts to your personal networks and restrict sharing the information from your account with the general public.
Conclusion
Even though there are a variety of easy-to-use antivirus programs, the number of malware is increasing. To protect a computer from a potential threat, you need to follow the mentioned steps, which require minimal effort and funds to implement. Let’s recap all the important preventive measures for your computer:
- install fast and easy-to-use antivirus program;
- always keep your device secure;
- keep your antivirus program up-to-date;
- install a firewall;
- create a boot disk;
- choose strict security settings;
- ignore and do not install unknown programs or programs from suspended or unknown websites;
- always disconnect your computer from the Internet when you finish your work;
- choose people to share the information, be careful what you share.
When you take all the mentioned precautions, you can increase the level of security significantly as well as ensure that a computer runs as fast as it should be.
