Computer Security

Online security is one of those things that many people underestimate. If you have never encountered a virus or another type of malware while using a computer, it does not mean you can avoid it forever.

Knowing what to do and preparing in advance is the correct approach. It is better to be safe than sorry, and a good online security strategy is one of the best ways to have some peace of mind.

Below, you will find valuable information about keeping yourself safe while surfing the net and using a computer.

Antivirus Tool

Let’s start with what seems pretty obvious—an anti-malware tool. Having antivirus software running in the background all the time is common, but more people should utilize it for custom disk scans. 

The scan puts a toll on the computer’s performance while it is active, but you need to be a bit patient and wait until the process is over. Scans might or might not reveal corrupted data. If a file is infected, it should be removed.

Some anti-malware tools also work as redundant junk removal software from the computer. If you are looking for new duplicate finders to eliminate storage issues, you could take a look at some 2-in-1 options in available malware tools.

Shady Messages

Whether it is a message on social media or an email, so long as it looks shady, you are better off ignoring it. 

You might have received an email in the past telling you how you are a lucky winner and that you need to click on a link to claim your prize. 

It is easy to fall for such a trick because you get too excited about a message telling you that you have won something.

Be smart and ignore such emails. Otherwise, you will click on a link and likely infect the computer with malware.

Ad Blockers

Surfing online and encountering internet ads is quite annoying. Some websites go as far as making it more or less impossible to continue navigating the site unless you click on the ad.

Such an aggressive advertisement approach calls for action from users. Installing an ad blocker extension on your internet browser is bound to improve the overall experience. And that is not all.

Some advertisements are shady and redirect you to malware-infected landing pages. And even if you are aware that the ad or a banner seems dangerous, you might still click on it accidentally. Thus, an ad blocker comes in quite handy in such situations. 

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual private networks are a good investment considering that a reliable service costs a few dollars per month. 

Some people use VPNs to access geo-restricted content because they can change their location and IP address to match the requirements of the content they want to view.

As far as security goes, a virtual private network is great if you want to hide online and prevent potential attackers from snooping around and gaining access to your information. 

Besides changing the IP address and location, you can utilize a VPN to encrypt browsing history and create a wall between you and an attacker. The information hackers want to view looks gibberish because of a VPN, which prevents an attack.

If you are using a secure home network, you might be reluctant to bother with a VPN, however, and that is understandable.

However, if you are planning to connect to public Wi-Fi, then be sure to do so via a virtual private network since the internet at cafes, libraries, and other public locations lack security protocols. 

Passwords

A poor password strategy can lead to quite a few problems. Imagine using the same password for every single profile online. Banking, emails, social media, various online forums, services, and other things that require a profile with a password make for quite a long list of login details.

Remembering all your passwords can be difficult, and it is common for people to use the same password for multiple accounts. But what if the information leaks and someone finds out what your password is? They will be able to access different accounts that belong to you.

As a rule of thumb, it is crucial to use different passwords for different profiles online. And if memorizing passwords is too hard, use a password manager to make things simpler for yourself.

Updates

System updates should be prioritized, not just for new features. Often, OS developers push for updates because they patch security holes, and missing the latest version exposes the computer. 

If you have to wait for an update to download and install, you should be patient and wait until it is finished. 

Online Shopping

The last bit of advice is about online shopping. If you prefer to purchase goods and services online, be sure to do so from reputable stores.

If you have to order from an online store for the first time, make sure to research it to confirm that the business is legit and will not put you at risk. 

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