In this article you come to know about 10 tips to secure your PC. By implementing these tips you can ensure that your PC is protected from the majority of online threats.
Below mentioned are the best 9 tips to secure your PC:
1. Turn-off file sharing
File sharing is by default enabled on all Windows XP systems which is a major threat for the security of your PC. If file sharing is enabled on your PC then it would be convenient for virus attackers to have complete read/write access to the content stored on the hard drive. Setting up file sharing without acquiring the highly secure usernames and passwords is a big security problem as hackers can easily access shared files and folders on your PC.
2. Install a firewall
Installing firewall is mandatory for every PC user as it quarantines malicious programs or malware that can scan your PC for security vulnerabilities. Once these malware find out the weak link on your PC they attack immediately to cause significant damage to data and programs. Once you install a firewall on your computer, your PC becomes secured against these malware.
PC security experts recommend users to use a wired or wireless router enabled with firewall to improve security.
3. Perform regular scan for spyware
Your PC primarily breaks down because of spyware infections. Spyware can destroy your privacy as they can steal important and private data without letting you know about their activities. To prevent such threats, you are advised to use antispyware tools. For best results, you should use multiple antispyware tools. You can choose an antispyware tool that provides automatic scans and real time updates.
4. Perform regular scan of viruses
Users should make sure that they scan the system on a regular basis to keep virus infections at bay. For an effective PC scan, you can employ efficient antivirus program with features like real-time scanning, automatic updates, e-mail scanning and others. Majority of the antivirus programs work on the basis of annual subscription so it is better if you opt for annual subscription plans. Some of the leading antivirus programs include, Norton, AVG, Kaspersky etc.
5. Always keep your OS updated
OS developers regularly release updates to make the OS more suitable to counter emerging threats. Therefore it is important as well as essential to install all the updates to keep PC security threats at bay. For example, Microsoft periodically release updates and these require to be installed on your PC to keep it updated and ready to counter security threats.
To keep your OS updated you must ensure the following:
- Set auto updates in Windows
- Configure auto updates to patch the OS
- Make sure that your PC is on scheduled update time.
6. Update the browser to the latest version
Browser vulnerability is a big contributor to PC security lapses. To prevent viruses and malware from exploiting such vulnerabilities, you should make sure that you are using the latest version of the browser. While using the latest IE version, you enjoy advanced security features such as:
- Phishing filter
- Cross domain barriers
- Color coded address bar
- Extended validation SSL certifications.
7. Secure your wireless network
Apart from installing an antivirus program it is also important to secure your wireless network to keep your PC secure. Often viruses and malware creep into your system via unprotected wireless network. To ensure the protection of your home network, it is important that it is enabled with appropriate encryption. You can also resort to wireless routers that restrict others from accessing your network as it lists all your wireless devices and MAC addresses.
8. Data encryption
You should encrypt your data so that it is not misused by cyber miscreants. If you encrypt your data duly then chances of their misuse is minimal in case your laptop gets stolen. While encrypting the data, you have the choice of encrypting certain files, folders or even the complete hard drive. If someone wants to see the data then he first needs to decrypt the data using the particular password.
9. Use strong passwords
Using strong passwords is the first step to ensure PC security. It is recommended not to use personal information in the password. Moreover, it should be a mix of case, numbers and special characters apart from alphabets. For better PC security, you should change your password at regular intervals, keep unique passwords for different accounts and also make sure that your security gear is in place always.
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