A hacker is an unauthorized person who breaks into your computer with a purpose to steal, alter or destroy your information, commonly with the help of malwares. Most of us neglect to make our computer secure, as a result of which our computer gets vulnerable to cyber criminals and hackers.
You probably heard the news of Ransomware. A few months back, it was everywhere in the news. It was the worst and most wide-spread malware we have ever seen. No matter what operating system you use, if left unprotected, it can be hacked. In this article, let’s learn how to secure your computers from hackers.
1. Keep Your OS Up To Date
Update your operating system and other softwares regularly, prefer an auto-update. It is the first step towards making your computer secure. Outdated programs are vulnerable to malwares, updating them will eliminate the risk to a great extent. Although keeping your OS up to date is important, you can’t completely rely on it.
2. Install Essential Security Programs
There are many security programs, which are created to secure your computer from various threats. Below are the most basic and important security programs.
- Firewall
- Antivirus
- Anti-malware
- Anti-spyware
Many of them are available for free and do a pretty good job. A security software adds an extra layer of safety and provides a strong security for your computer, which makes it difficult for the hackers to creep in.
Note: Always keep your security softwares up to date.
3. Scan Frequently
Scan at least twice a week. Almost all antivirus softwares allow you to set up a schedule for scanning. You can schedule your scan to a time where you don’t use computer, for example, late night. In this way, a slow computer will not bother you.
4. Beware While Installing A New Software
Be cautious and keep below things in mind while installing a software.
- Install only those softwares which are trusted and have trusted source.
- Avoid downloading unnecessary softwares.
- Softwares which ask to install other programs during the installation are usually spywares.
- It is a good practice to scan a software before installing. VirusTotal is an amazing online tool, which lets you to upload a file and check.
5. Have A Strong Password
Create a strong password to login to your computer. A strong password has numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters. It adds an extra layer of safety. Use Two Factor Authentication for logging into your online services. All major online services such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, etc. provide it.
6. Choose The Right Web Browser
Most of the malwares enter the system through your web browser. Therefore, it is important to choose a web browser based on security and vulnerabilities. Google Chrome aces when it comes to security, because it has a sandbox feature specially designed to keep your device safe from hackers. Make sure you are using the latest version.
7. Beware Of Phishing Emails
Most of the people fall for phishing emails. The main purpose of these emails is to gain your attention and get few clicks from you, so that the malware gets installed in your system. Although, phishing emails generally end up in the spam folder. One or two might get successful in getting your attention. In general, don’t open emails, which are sent by random people. Never click on attachment unless it is sent from a known person.
8. Avoid Pirated Softwares
Although it is illegal to use pirated softwares, many still use them because they can be downloaded from shady websites for free. These softwares are loaded with viruses, spywares and malwares. Installing pirated softwares easily comprises your security. Opt the legal route and buy genuine softwares.
9. Avoid Linking Of Accounts
While browsing you must have come across many web pages, which ask you to sign in with Facebook, Twitter or Google. This often happens when you try to comment on a website, remember? Hackers can acquire your personal details and use it to hack your computer.
10. Refrain From Using Public WiFi
This is the last but most important point. With open WiFi, it is easy to steal your connection. Hackers can easily download illegal files. Therefore, avoid the usage of open WiFi to the maximum extent.
