Here are some pointers to keep your electronic device safe while connected to the internet.
Since we live in a digital age, the internet has become an important part of our daily lives. It makes things easier and more efficient. However, as our reliance on technology grows, so does the risk of cyber threats, such as hacking.
Cybercriminals can break into our computers without our permission, steal our personal information, and do a lot of harm to our online identities and finances. To prevent such attacks, it is crucial to take measures to safeguard our devices.
This article tells you how to make sure your online activities are safe and private by following the basic instructions to protect your personal information and assets from cyber threats:
Table of Contents
Use a firewall
It is a security tool that monitors and controls your computer’s incoming network traffic. A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, preventing unauthorised access to your system.
A firewall analyses the data packets that pass through it and filters out any suspicious or malicious traffic. It can block certain types of traffic and allow only authorised traffic to enter your computer.
To use a firewall, ensure it is turned on and properly configured. It’s important to keep your firewall updated to ensure that it can detect and block new types of cyberthreats.
Install Antivirus
This is an essential step to protect your computer from getting hacked. Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware infections on your computer.
Antivirus software checks your computer for malware and other types of threats. It can detect and remove known malware and block new and emerging threats. It can also protect you in real time by scanning files as you open them to stop infections.
Choosing a reputable program from a trusted provider is important when installing antivirus software. Many different antivirus programs are available, each with different features and capabilities.
To protect your computer, it’s important to keep your antivirus software updated and get rid of a hacker on the computer. New types of malware and cyber threats are constantly emerging, and antivirus software updates include new virus definitions and security patches to keep your computer protected.
Keep your OS, apps, and browser up-to-date
Keeping your operating system (OS), applications, and browser up-to-date is essential. Software updates include security patches and bug fixes that can help protect your computer from known vulnerabilities.
Hackers often exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorised access to your computer. Keeping your software up-to-date can help reduce the risk of these attacks.
To keep your OS up-to-date, enable automatic updates if available. This will ensure that you receive the latest security patches and updates as soon as they are released. You can manually check for updates through your OS’s settings or control panel.
Applications and browser updates can also help keep your computer secure. Many applications and browsers have automatic update features that you can enable to ensure you receive the latest security patches and updates.
You can also follow this guide to strengthen Firefox privacy and security for digital surveillance and learn how to enhance Firefox security with about:config tweaks for better online privacy and safety.
It’s important to know that not all software updates are security-related. However, these types of updates can help improve your computer’s overall security by reducing the risk of crashes and other issues that can leave your computer vulnerable to attack.
Use complex password
Hackers often use brute force attacks to crack passwords by guessing combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Simple and common passwords, such as “password” or “123456,” are easy to guess and can be cracked quickly. Using complex passwords can make it much more difficult for hackers to access your computer.
A complex password is difficult to guess or crack. It should contain at least eight characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, change your passwords regularly to reduce the chances of them being compromised.
Avoid using public WI-FI for sensitive information
Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and can make it easy for hackers to intercept your data and gain access to your personal information. Using a public Wi-Fi network can make your computer vulnerable to several attacks.
Hackers can get hold of your sensitive information as it travels over the network. This includes your credit card information, login credentials, and other sensitive information. If you want to keep your sensitive information safe, don’t do things like online banking or other sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
Instead, use a secure and trusted Wi-Fi network, such as your home or work network, or connect to the internet using a mobile hotspot.
If you must use public Wi-Fi for activities such as checking email or browsing the web, use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN makes the connection between your computer and the internet safe and encrypted. This keeps hackers from stealing your data.
It’s also important to ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure. Use a strong, complicated password to protect your Wi-Fi network, and turn on encryption to keep your information safe.
Final thoughts
Securing your computer from getting hacked is essential to protecting your personal information, financial data, and other sensitive information.
It’s important to make computer security a regular part of your routine and understand the latest threats and best practises for protecting your computer.
Taking proactive measures to secure your computer can help you keep your personal information private and secure.
