How to Secure Your Computer Online
The internet is a helpful tool for both consumers and businesses, but it also puts many individuals at risk for identity theft. To keep your personal information personal, computer security and online security are must-haves for every person that connects to the internet. There are numerous risks that are posed by surfing the internet and often there are specific programs and tools designed by hackers to not only steal your personal information, but hack into your computer and monitor your daily activity. Here we discuss some ways to protect your computer and your identity while using a computer online.
Firewalls
Firewalls are automatically installed on most computers, but they have multiple settings. Essentially a firewall protects an individual’s computer from having personal information removed or even entering the computer itself. If your computer connects to the internet, then it should have a firewall running at all times. Never disable your firewall because you are unable to access a particular website. This can put your computer at risk for hackers and other malicious software, even if it is just for a minute.
Anti-Virus Software
Essentially, anti-virus software protects computers from software known as “viruses” from downloading to your computer and destroying personal data, slowing down the overall speed of your computer, or ultimately causing your computer to crash. Anti-virus software can automatically update and scan your computer on a daily basis to ensure that there have been no intrusions as well as automatically block downloads that are harmful to your computer.
Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware, often referred to as malware, usually attaches it to programs or software that you actually intended to download. These files stay hidden within the software and can be difficult to find without a proper scanner. They can collect your information, slow your computer and allow hackers access to your computer as well as disable firewalls. Anti-spyware software will automatically detect these spyware devices, even when they are attached to other software and automatically remove them.
Strong Passwords
When using the internet for email, banking or social networking, everything requires a username and password. Even though it is easier to remember a simple sequence of numbers, your best friend’s name, or even your child’s date of birth, these are not considered “strong passwords” and often these are easily hacked. A strong password should be a combination of uppercase and lowercase lettering, numbers and special symbols.