Top 10 Tips for Safe Computing
As technology has advanced, we as people and as a
society have become more dependent on computer systems. From virus infections
to identity theft to hardware issues – any and all of these disruptions can
have huge ramifications on our lives. No matter how up-to-speed the user is
adopting the correct computer practices is a combination of protecting our systems using security
software and knowing the ins and outs of the computer. Below are 10 tips that I
think will help you protect your system from any unfortunate mishaps in the
future.
1. Keep the
System Updated
With the ever increasing number of computer viruses
out there, it becomes increasingly more important that your system has some
form of antivirus software on it and that it is kept up-to-date. Most of these
antivirus programs have an automated update feature built into them.
Whether the decision to update the operating system
is done manually or automatically, it’s recommended that this process be
carried out on a regular basis. It’s also important that you keep all your
installed software up-to-date. Software updates will usually contain bug fixes
and security patches, designed to address identified vulnerabilities.
2. Use Strong
Passwords
A strong password will typically contain a mixture
of upper and lower case letters, in addition to numbers, symbols and spaces.
You should never share your confidential data with other people, and you should
have different passwords for all of your different accounts. Changing your
passwords every six months is another good idea.
3. Backup Your
Data
For those files that you want to keep safe and
secure, be sure to back them up. If you regularly back up your computer, you
can protect it from any unexpected mishaps in the feature. The only real
decision that you must make, is deciding where to put the backups. The options
you have available include CD/DVDs, network locations, or external hard drives.
4. Restrict
Access to Your System
In environments where you have multiple users
accessing a single computer, it pays to restrict administrative access of that
system to only the most advanced computer users. This way, only the users that
have administrative access will be able to install additional programs on the
computer, or alter sensitive settings. Everyone else should have a basic user
accounts, as this will eliminate any drastic changes occurring on the computer.
5. Scan Your
Email Attachments
If you want to keep viruses off your system, then
you will need to scan all email attachments that are sent to you. Viruses so
often get onto our systems by lurking in emails, sent by friends and family
members. While, a virus hidden inside a photo is enough to trick most users, an
antivirus program will have little difficultly identifying it. If you receive a
link in an email, it’s always best to examine the actual URL before you decide
whether or not to click on it. This way, you can determine where the link will
take you, before you make the drastic decision to go there.
6. Lock Your
System
When you’re not on your computer, its best practice
for you to lock it, as this will prevent anyone from stealing it. A password
protected screen saver and a complex user password is the best way to go.
7. Encrypt Your
Files
One thing that you should never do is put sensitive
information in emails, like passwords, credit card details and other sensitive
information. You can never be too sure how many servers this data will pass
through before it reaches its destination, or who has access to these servers.
In order to make a private message secure, you must first encrypt it, before
you send the data, the data can then be decrypted once it reaches its
destination.
8. Avoid Dodgy
Websites
The web browser is probably the biggest
vulnerability to your system. Malicious files are being written every day to
exploit these browsers like Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. So be
safe by visiting only the websites you know are safe.
While you can never be too sure which website is
safe for you to visit, being a little more cautious should go a long way in
extending your systems life.
9. Limit Information
on Social Media Sites
People post virtually anything on these social media
sites nowadays. For most people into these things, they will post their phone
numbers, birth dates, address and other personal stuff. Protect your identity
from theft by minimising the amount of information you disclose on the
internet.
10. Use Firewall
Software
Both Windows and Mac operating systems come with
firewall software. When you properly set these firewalls up, they can be used
to protect your computer files and prevent hackers from gaining backdoor access
to your computer.
--AUTHOR INFO—
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is
a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website http://www.compuchenna.co.uk
.
