In this modern, tech-savvy age, computers are a necessity of most people’s daily lives. People use them to help manage finances, organize our schedules, do online banking, pay bills via the Internet, shop on wholesale or auction sites, etc. In many instances, people even work from home on either a full-time or part-time basis. While there are certainly many advantages to computers and technology, there are also pitfalls that users should be aware of and prepared to combat. Namely, people who use computers on a regular basis, particularly those who employ it as a lifeline and/or means of their livelihood, must be knowledgeable about cyber security and the threats that exist over the Internet. That being said, here are 5 tips about cyber security you should know.
- Passwords Are Necessary–You would think this goes without saying, but it is surprising how often this tip is neglected by those who are technology novices. Just as you would not leave private or confidential documents laying out for prying eyes, it is equally important to safeguard the information stored on your computer in a safe manner.
- Be on Your Guard–Make sure you have basic protections in place before going online for the first time. You should have a firewall and some sort of anti-virus software protection right out of the gate. Even if it is a free version or trial period software to start, you can purchase additional software and/or malware protection down the road. The point is, do not go online without safeguards in place.
- Run Scans and Updates–Security scans and updates are important. You should set your computer for automatic updates and allow them to run regularly. You should also run full system scans frequently to safeguard against spyware, viruses, and other forms of malware.
- Strong Passwords Are Important–Make certain you are choosing strong passwords with numbers, letters, and special characters if possible. Not all sites or interfaces will allow the inclusion of special characters for passwords, but it is important for added protection. It is also important to create a password, code, and/or an acronym that is easy for you to remember. You should also create different passwords for each important account and change your passwords regularly.
- Backup as a Lifeline–The importance of backing up your computer on a regular basis cannot be overstated. It can safeguard your system from the hackers and identity thieves who might want to steal your data. You should prepare at least 6 months of backup data and make sure the information can be retrieved if needed. Consider it a lifeline because, in technology terms, it literally is your lifeline and safety net.
In this hustle, bustle world, things can get away from us without even realizing it. When it comes to your personal information, however, it is very important that you take precautions to prevent that from happening. With that in mind, the 5 tips about cyber security presented about are ones you should know and follow.