Top 10 Safety Tips for Computer Security

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.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.