Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals working and learning from home, meaning there is a greater need to know how to protect your PC. The shift was a direct result of stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic, but many employers are allowing employees to continue working from home if they prefer. With that being said, it is more important than ever to make sure that your computer and personal information are protected. Even if your company has implemented security measures on your computer, protect your computer from hackers and viruses and maintain your online security. Today, we will be sharing the best tips on how to protect your computer and personal information.
The Importance of Online Security
The truth of the matter is that online security isn’t just for remote workers; proper security protocols should be taken by anyone who uses the internet. The internet has changed how we learn and share information, and it is readily available to most of us at any given time. If we need to know what, when, where, or how something works, we can simply look it up on Google. If we want to watch a movie or listen to music, we stream or download it. However, as more information becomes accessible, so does our personal data, targeting our devices for malicious software and programs.
Viruses and malware used to be easier to spot, which made them easier to avoid, but that is not the case anymore. Spyware or malware can often be hidden or bundled with other programs that you intentionally downloaded, specifically free software that you find online. These are called potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and can include spyware, adware, and dialers. That is why it is critical that you read reviews and only download online programs from trusted sources.
Learning How To Protect Your Computer
Aside from being cautious about the programs you download online, you can take several other measures to improve your online security. Some of the tips that we will share with you are more effective than others, but it’s important to implement multiple safety protocols, if you can, for added layers of security.
- Stronger Passwords
The best place to start when it comes to securing your personal information is your passwords. Have you been using the same password across multiple platforms because it’s “easier to remember”? If so, this is your sign to update your passwords! If you have a hard time remembering different passwords, consider utilizing password management programs that safeguard your info. Unfortunately, as technology advances, so do hacker capabilities. That is why it’s important to understand that even “good” passwords are at risk, which is why it’s essential to take other security precautions. - Use a Firewall
A Firewall is a software that was designed to create a barrier between your personal information and the outside world. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized users’ access to your network (home or business). Most firewalls will send intruder alerts if someone attempts to access your network. Windows and Mac users can enable built-in firewalls that come with their operating systems, but you can also purchase hardware firewalls from other trusted companies. - Software and OS Updates
The programs and applications that we use are constantly being updated by developers to fix any security issues the current version may have. Most operating systems and applications have automatic updates that resolve security bugs, but the issue is that many people turn off this feature. Try enabling automatic updates to better protect your computer and personal information. If you are someone who never shuts off their computer (sleep mode or simply closing your laptop doesn’t count), it’s important to power your PC down occasionally, so the updates take effect. - Install Antivirus Software
As we have mentioned, spyware, malware, and viruses are everywhere and can even hide within other programs. With antivirus software, the programs were designed to protect your PC against unauthorized code or software that threatens your system. If you choose just one tip from this list to upgrade your security, antivirus software should be it. However, not all antivirus systems are created equally, so it’s crucial to choose a trusted program that can shield your PC from security threats. System Shield by iolo is an antivirus system that provides invisible real-time malware protection without slowing down your computer.
Whether you are working from home or just looking to add additional security to your home PC, knowing how to protect your computer is no longer optional. With so many security options available, we hope that this article will help you to protect your personal information.
