Cybersecurity is critical for entities and businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s personal or professional information, keeping your computer secure helps you avoid malware and direct hacking attempts designed to steal your information. Keep reading down below to learn some ways you can reduce the risk of having your computer and information violated.

Install Antivirus Software.

Antivirus software are programmed to protect your computer against unauthorized code or software that may threaten your operating system. There are many out there available for you to use. If you run Windows 10 or Windows 8, you have Windows Security or Windows Defender Security Center already installed on your device.

Keep your OS, apps, and browser up-to-date.

Keep your computer up to date. Check from time to time if there are updates on the operating system and software available. The updates will help fix certain irregularities in your system that may increase the risk of threats entering your computer.

Use a firewall.

Windows and macOS have built-in firewalls – software designed to create a barrier between your information and the outside world. Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your business network and alert you to any intrusion attempts.

Back Up your data.

Make sure that you back up all your data to an external storage. Backing up can be done online or through an external storage device. You can send all your data to online cloud storage like Dropbox and Google Drive. This is important in case your computer crashes due to power outage or cyber-attack.

Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages.

They can appear in email, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources.

Make sure you’re using complex passwords.

Using secure passwords is the most important way to prevent network intrusions. The more secure your passwords are, the harder it is for a hacker to invade your system. More secure often means longer and more complex. Use a password that has at least eight characters and a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and computer symbols. Hackers have an arsenal of tools to break short, easy passwords in minutes.

Use two-factor authentication.

Passwords are the first line of defense against computer hackers, but a second layer boosts protection. Many sites let you enable two-factor authentication, which boosts security because it requires you to type in a numerical code – sent to your phone or email address – in addition to your password when logging in.

Use trusted browsers.

Use browsers that are common and are known to be safe and trusted. The most reliable browsers available are Firefox, Safari, and Chrome. These browsers have built-in security features that minimize the risk of your computer acquiring viruses, malware, etc.

Disconnect.

If you do not need an internet connection, make it a habit to disconnect. This is a preventive measure that will help you avoid security threats from entering your computer through the internet.

Apart from these preventive measures, ask a PC technician or IT expert to check your computer if there are signs of viruses, malware, etc. inside the system.