You’re probably aware of it right now. Hackers and cybercriminals are everywhere, and who knows who their next victim is? You’ll never know if you’re next.
So many of us now rely on computers for work, study, entertainment, shopping, and even banking. This makes us very vulnerable to bad actors who seek to steal our personal data so they can use it for nefarious purposes.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a computer whiz to protect yourself from cybersecurity threats. Here are some expert-approved tips that will help you protect your computer from hackers:
Keep your software up-to-date.
Hackers constantly try to find vulnerabilities in your software, and if they find one, they can use it to gain access to your computer. The best way to protect your computer from hackers is to keep it updated.
“The best way to protect your computer from hackers is to keep your software up to date. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in software that they can exploit. By keeping your software up to date, you make it more difficult for hackers to take advantage of these vulnerabilities,” says Deepanshu Bedi, Marketing Director at Holista Pet.
“One way to ensure that attackers never find a vulnerability in your software is by regularly updating it. When you update your software, you’re automatically protecting yourself from any new weaknesses,” adds Kshitij Nigam, CMO of Cheef Botanicals.
Use anti-spyware/anti-malware software.
Many hackers use spyware and malware to penetrate computer systems and steal data. These are usually detected by our computers. However, once your computer is infected with spyware or malware, it will be difficult to gain control over it because most of the time, your computer will slow down or malfunction, and the hackers can have complete control over it.
Antivirus software can help detect and remove viruses, while anti-malware software specializes in removing malware, including spyware and adware. Be sure to keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date to ensure it can protect against the latest threats.
“Always scan your computer regularly for viruses to avoid any possible harm to your computer. Make it a habit. Think of it as an exercise for your computer,” suggests Cory Greenhough, Managing Director of Fridge Freezer Direct UK.
Make sure that your antivirus software is up to date. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to penetrate systems, and your antivirus software is your first line of defense against them,” Jacob Villa of Authority adds.
Use multiple layers of protection.
Maxime Legardez, CEO of Makipeople, suggests using a password manager. “This can help you create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and make it easier to keep track of them.”
“Additionally, you should consider using two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password,” he adds
“Make sure that your passwords are strong and unique. Hackers can often gain access to accounts by brute force attacks or by using common password lists, so it’s important to choose passwords that are difficult to guess,” Villa of Authority weighs in.
Be very wary of emails from unknown senders; never click on hyperlinks or open files that come with them as these pose a technological threat,” Alvaro Moreira, CEO of Moreira Team warns.
“While mailbox spam detection has become rather adept at detecting the most blatant spam. However, increasingly intricate phishing emails that impersonate your colleagues, connections, and reputable businesses have grown popular lately. Hence, be on the lookout for anything that incites doubt,” he adds.
Be aware of public Wi-Fi risks.
When using public Wi-Fi, be aware that hackers could potentially intercept the data you’re sending and receiving. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or email accounts, while using public Wi-Fi.
“If you must access these accounts, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data. Secure your home network. If you have a home wireless network, secure it with a strong password and enable encryption. These measures can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your home network and any devices connected,” says Loran Marmes, owner of Medicare Solutions Team.
Think before you click.
Many hacker attacks start with phishing emails or malicious attachments, so it’s important to be cautious about what you open. “Don’t open email attachments from strangers, and be careful about clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted source,” Dawood Khan, co-founder of Pixelied, sternly cautions.
In addition, you should be careful about what information you share online. Hackers can target individuals by gathering information from social media and other public sources.
Leo Coleman, Editor-in-Chief at Gambling ‘N Go, tells us to be suspicious of free apps. One way is to check the allowed access to certain apps that you installed on your computer. Some applications are secretly prying on your computer because of the inadequacy of the due diligence that you exert before getting one on your computer. Access to your computer is easy once the application is installed. It will already allow the hacker to see anything that can be searched on your computer.”
Practice good cyber hygiene.
In addition to following the tips above, practicing good cyber hygiene can help reduce your risk of being hacked. This includes using unique passwords for each of your online accounts, being cautious about the emails you open and the links you click, and backing up your data regularly.
It is important to back up your data regularly. If your computer is hacked or infected with malware, having a recent backup of your data can help you recover quickly and minimize the disruption to your life. Khan of Pixelied suggests backing up your data regularly to an external hard drive or online storage service.
Chris Walker, founder of Superstar SEO, suggests deleting your data as an online routine. Your browsing history, login information, and cache all leave digital traces that hackers can follow to carry out their harmful intentions. Long-term exposure to the internet raises the possibility that your data will be found, used, and the subject of fraud and hacking attacks that put your personal and professional lives in danger. To reduce your exposure to dangerous bystanders, practice erasing your data after using your browser.
Key takeaways.
There is no harm in being overly protective of your computer because we usually keep all our personal information, bank accounts, emails, and everything to our computer. It’s our digital cabinet where we keep all of our private information and secrets.
In a world where it’s uncertain who the next victim of cyber-attacks will be, it’s important to err on the side of caution. By taking full advantage of the tips outlined above, you are greatly reducing the risk of turning your computer into a dangerous liability rather than a useful asset.
