Computers are an incredible technology that many people for all types of reasons use on an everyday basis. There are always malicious factors that are trying to damage your computer and your network. A major issue is that computers are prone to viruses and malware that could cause a lot of harm to personal files and loss of personal data.
A large portion of the global workforce has begun working remotely meaning that they depend on their home computer. This means that they use their home computer for both their personal and professional lives. Many highly personal activities are what serve as targets for hackers and identity thieves. This is why many businesses have opted to use the help of IT Support Companies like TechQuarters in the UK, that ensure their employees who are working remotely are properly securing their devices.
When businesses have confidential information stolen from malicious online attackers it puts them, their employees and their clients at tremendous risk. Nobody wants their private data to fall in the wrong hands. There are many ways of falling victim to cyber thieves such as phishing schemes, viruses, worms, ransomware and spyware. It can be quite scary thinking about the number of ways that you can be exploited. However, there are also many ways that you can protect yourself and your employer from cyber threats which you can find below.
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Installing Security Software
Strong cybersecurity starts with installing the best and strongest possible antivirus software on all your devices. Internet security software is a great way to ensure that all your devices are protected from any dangerous malware. The right antivirus software makes it extremely difficult for any cyber criminals to gain access to personal information. Businesses who are using IT support companies have found that their employees are better educated on cyber security and are aware of which antivirus software to use. Furthermore, they ensure that employees and employers always have their antivirus software up to date. Failure to update them makes antivirus software’s less effective against viruses and malware.
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Install Firewall
The best way to protect your devices are to ensure that hackers cannot access them in the first place. You can do this by installing a firewall that will block any outside attempts to gain access to your computer. It also helps with protecting your computer from some viruses’ malware and Trojans. If you have a Windows-based computer then you don’t need to worry as Windows Firewall is already preinstalled. If not, most internet security software programs give you the option to install a firewall.
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Using Strong Passwords
A password should be your first line of defence that protects accounts from anyone unauthorized gaining access to it. When a hacker gains access to your account they have many ways that they could damage your image or harm you. They simply put harmful content into cloud storage that can automatically update to the computer. This is why you should always use a complex password that is not easy to guess or relate to your life. Never use the same passwords or login details for every website or app because should you fall victim to an attack your accounts become very vulnerable.
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Configuring Security Settings
You can easily enhance your cybersecurity by configuring strict security settings for your web browser and email application. An example of this would be disabling cooking in your web browser that when you are browsing the internet your common interests cannot be tracked by any websites.
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Never Install Unidentified Programs
What many people do not know is that hackers often hide a Trojan horse or other malicious software inside a program that looks like it could be completely harmless. Hackers are extremely smart in the way that they hide malicious software. It can usually be found in games and screensavers which are commonly used by people. That is why you should never just download and install programs unless you are completely certain that it is legit and safe to use. As a safety precaution you should never download a program unless you have first scanned it using your internet security software.
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Do NOT Open Unknown Emails
Emails are commonly used whether its for personal or professional use. Hackers use emails for phishing scams which is where users are fooled into revealing personal data with identity thieves. Emails are commonly used to spread malicious software which is why your internet security software should be configured to scan every email you receive. If you do not know the address from which you received an email, then it is always best to avoid opening it. Even so if you think that the email looks real.
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Always Turn Off Computer or Internet
Do not forget that you do not need to be using the internet for your computer to fall victim to a cyber-attack. This is something that many people either do not know or just neglect. If you do not turn off your computer or leave it on and connected to the internet, it still can get hacked. You should always try to remember to turn off your computer when you are completely done using it.
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Install an Ad-block
While you have been surfing the internet you have surely received pop-up advertisements that you accidentally or intentionally opened. Well, more often than not these ads lead to suspicious websites that steal your data and install viruses. It isn’t easy to avoid these as they can show up all over the place. But the best way to go about removing them or stopping them is by downloading a quality ad – blocker. There are many free ad-blockers that are more than sufficient. But even when you do have an ad-blocker you should still take precaution when browsing the web because there are many sites that will not let you use them unless you have your ad-blocker app disabled. It is always best to be safe than sorry when it comes to cyber security.