It seems like every other day we hear about another massive data breach, with millions of people’s personal information being stolen. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out!
But don’t worry, there are things you can do to help keep your computer safe from hackers. Here are 10 ways:
1. Keep your operating system and software up to date
One of the best ways to protect your computer is to keep your operating system and software up to date. Software updates will often include patches for newly discovered security vulnerabilities, so it’s important to install them as soon as they’re available.
You can typically set your computer to install updates automatically, or you can check for updates manually on a regular basis.
For Windows users, you can check for updates by going to Start > All Programs > Windows Update.
For Mac users, you can check for updates by going to the App Store and clicking on the Updates tab.
2. Protect home network
Protecting the home network is one of the best ways to keep your computer safe from hackers. Your home network is the gateway to your devices and data, so it’s important to take steps to secure it.
Read this if you want to find out more about how to protect your home network.
3. Use strong passwords
One of the most important things you can do to protect your online accounts is to use strong passwords.
A strong password is a password that is difficult for someone else to guess. It should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or easily accessible personal information like your birthdate.
If you’re not sure how to create a strong password, there are plenty of resources available online, including this guide from the US Department of Homeland Security.
Once you have a strong password, be sure to keep it safe. Don’t write it down where someone else could find it, and don’t reuse it across multiple accounts. Using a password manager can help you keep track of your passwords and ensure that they’re all strong and unique.
4. Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious emails
Make sure to avoid clicking on links or attachments in emails you received from unfamiliar sources, and never give out personal information unless you are certain of who you’re dealing with.
If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious when downloading programs and files from the internet, as these could contain malware that will infect your computer and put your data at risk.
Keep your computer safe by only downloading files from trusted sources, and be sure to keep your antivirus software up to date.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution when it comes to clicking links or attachments in emails. Malware can be hidden in these files, and if you click on them, you could infect your computer.
Be especially wary of any email that asks for personal information, as this could be a phishing attempt. If you’re not sure whether an email is legitimate, contact the sender directly to confirm before clicking on anything.
5. Install a reputable security suite
It’s important to keep your computer safe from malware and other online threats. One way to do this is to install a reputable security suite, such as Norton Security, and keep it up to date.
This will help protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Additionally, you should keep your operating system and other software up to date, as these can also be vulnerable to attack.
Finally, you should use a firewall to help protect your computer from unauthorized access. By taking these steps, you can help keep your computer safe from harm.
6. Use a firewall
A firewall is a software program or hardware device that helps keep your computer safe from hackers. It does this by blocking incoming connections that are not authorized. A firewall can also be used to block outgoing connections, such as when you’re using a public Wi-Fi network.
There are two main types of firewalls: hardware and software. Hardware firewalls are physical devices that are connected between your computer and your modem or router. Software firewalls are programs that run on your computer and can be turned on or off as needed.
You should have a firewall turned on at all times to keep your computer safe from hackers. If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, you may want to consider turning on a software firewall in addition to the hardware firewall that is provided by the router.
7. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible
One of the best ways to keep your computer safe is to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from a second device in order to log in.
This means that even if someone manages to obtain your password, they will not be able to access your account unless they also have your second device.
8. Use a VPN
Another great way to keep your computer safe is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts all of the traffic between your computer and the internet, making it much more difficult for hackers to eavesdrop on your activities.
Additionally, a VPN can also help to hide your IP address, making it more difficult for hackers to track your location.
9. Back up your data regularly
One of the best ways to keep your computer safe from hackers is to back up your data regularly. This way, if your computer is ever compromised, you will have a copy of your data that you can use to restore your system. There are many different ways to back up your data, so find one that works best for you and make sure to do it on a regular basis.
Keeping data back ups is not only a great way to keep your information safe from hackers, but it can also protect you from data loss in the event of a computer crash or other disaster. Make sure to keep multiple copies of your data in different locations, so that you always have a backup available.
10. Don’t reveal personal information online
It’s important to keep your personal information safe online. Hackers can get access to your personal information if you’re not careful. Be sure to never reveal your full name, address, phone number, or other personal information online. If you must share this information, only do so with people you trust.
When creating profiles on social media or other websites, use a pseudonym instead of your real name. This will help keep your identity safe. Be careful about the information you share on websites and in online forums. Don’t post anything that you wouldn’t want a hacker to see.
If you think you may have been hacked, act quickly to secure your accounts and protect your information. Change your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication if it’s available. You should also keep an eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity.
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