Top 10 Safety Tips for Computer Security

Monica Morris • Jan 29, 2021

Computer security threats are not abating anytime soon. In order to keep your system safe, you must adopt a security-conscious mindset. A computer can be stolen, its data corrupted by attackers, or malware installed for unauthorized remote access.

Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to improve computer security. Since there are many ways a computer can be attacked, there’s no single solution for computer security. Some tips that can make your system more secure is discussed below:

1. Physically Secure Your System
Physical protection for your computers and devices is as important as online safety measures. While exploiting a network hack can be limited by time and a properly configured system, a stolen computer gives a hacker almost unlimited power to access your data.

With physical access, your drive, emails, and important business data are all at the mercy of the thief or the receiver. Also, they have enough time and tools on their hand to crack the security on your system and pry out any information they need.

Keep your computer and other devices in a safe place when not in use to prevent unauthorized access or outright theft. A physical lock may be necessary to secure your PC and deter opportunistic thieves. You should also consider self-contained alarms that go off if someone tries to remove your system.

2. Install Tracking Software
A computer can be tracked through Wi-Fi if it goes missing. Some specialized software can also alert you and authorities about the location of your system when it is moved away from designated safe locations.

3. Keep Backups Up to Date
Data and the software on a computer are what makes it more valuable. A backup is like a second PC, with it you can restore your PC to its previous state or create a new PC with your existing data.

Backups are very important for keeping your computer safe. It can help you deal with computer loss, physical damage, or security issues as you can recover your system with an up-to-date data backup.

4. Use Antivirus
Antivirus is an important part of a computer’s security arsenal. They protect your system against malicious software and other threats. An antivirus can quickly detect and remove malware before it can cause serious damage.

Some antivirus programs are also equipped to deal with ransomware that cybercriminals use to encrypt your files and demand payment before decrypting them. If your antivirus does not have an anti-ransomware module, get additional dedicated software for it.

Don’t just install antivirus and forget about it. Check it regularly to see that it is working correctly as expected. You may also inspect its scanning and malware blocking history.

5. Use Secure Passwords
Passwords are useful for locking down your computer as well as securing various online accounts. Always use a password even if it is optional. It is a good security layer to prevent unauthorized access.

Never reuse passwords for different online accounts. An ideal password is long and includes special characters and alphanumeric keys. These are best generated by password managers for ease of access when needed.

6. Restrict Account Privileges
Owning a system usually makes you the administrator but you don’t have to operate your computer with the administrator setting.

Using a regular account will ensure that malicious programs won’t automatically gain admin privileges to hijack or infect your system.

7. Avoid Third-Party USB Drives
USB or external drives are a common medium for spreading malware. Some thumb drives can even be programmed to circumvent OS security settings and automatically install malware on your system.

Only use USBs that you own or come from trusted sources should ever be connected to your system.

8. Enable Firewall
Computers usually come with firewalls. Do not disable or downgrade their settings for any reason. Some hackers use social engineering to get victims to disable their firewalls for smoother malware infection.

For businesses, the default firewalls may not be sufficient to keep all computers safe. You may want to look at third-party providers.

9. Watch Out for Harmful Emails
A large part of computer infection and compromise arise from malicious emails. Emails may look harmless but they can be used as a launchpad for hijacking an organization’s systems and stealing data.

Never open an attachment from unknown sources. Also, avoid clicking on suspicious links in email even when it contains attractive offers.

10. Keep Your Personal Data Private
Hackers seek personal information they can use to plan and tailor their attacks. This may include your favorite coffee shop or vacation destinations.

Unfortunately, discovering such information is not hard as we share a lot on social media that can expose us to attack. In addition, brazen attackers can call or send email to ask for the specific information they need about you.

You should lock down your social media security settings to prevent random strangers from seeing your private information.

You can avoid malware, internet scams, and device theft by following the tips discussed above. Keeping a dedicated IT security team might consume too much of a small business’ budget.

Contact us to learn how we can make your business more secure.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
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