Secure Your Computer Against Cyber Attacks
Understanding what are cyber attacks is the first important thing to know before worrying about how you can secure your computer against them. Are you thinking that viruses are the only attack that attackers use to hit your computer? The answer is no; there are many scary and harmful threats to cyber security. The types of common cyber attacks or cybercrimes usually conducted by cyber criminals and the ways they conduct them are numerous in number. However, understanding the types of cyberattacks and common cybercrimes is recommended.
Although there are many ways in which your computer can be attacked or exploited, there are also many ways you can secure your personal computer and your company’s systems from cyber attacks. The following information is the list of security basics for securing your computer or network from common cyber attacks.
How to Secure Computer and Network Against Cyber Attacks
1. Secure and update your Operating System and Applications
It is recommended to keep your operating system secured and updated by configuring basic security i.e.: Apply Security Setting on Microsoft Windows and Install updates/security patches when required or automatically. It is also important to Update Installed Application Software like Browsers, Social Media applications, and all software you have downloaded and run on your computer. You can update the software by downloading and installing the latest version of the software or using the Software Updater Program to update them instead of downloading and installing a new one.
2. Install Good Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software
Good Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software give you total protection against unwanted and harmful programs that destroy or change the function of your computer, it is mandated to install and use Strong Antivirus Software on your computer. The common motive for cyber attacks by criminals is to steal data and some sensitive and confidential information. Good Anti-Spyware Program protects computers against spyware programs and will always protect you from losing any sensitive and confidential information.
3. Secure Your Internet Web Browser
As Web Browser is one of the main targets for hackers because of the many activities that you do on it, Web Browser Basic Security Setting is necessary before using your web browser. Criminal hackers hack a variety of information through a web browser; your information like Emails, Passwords, Credit Card details, Bank Accounts, and other confidential and sensitive information. An Internet web browser is not the only application running on your computer, It is also important to Update Installed Application Software like the Antivirus programs, Word processors, Social Media programs, and all software you have downloaded and running on your computer. You can update the software by downloading and installing the latest version of the software or using the Software Updater Program to update them instead of downloading and installing a new one.
4. Turn on Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. In computer security, there are two categories of firewalls namely Host Firewalls and Network Firewalls. On Microsoft Windows, there is an inbuilt firewall and it is recommended to turn on the firewall on Microsoft Windows.
5. Use Strong Password
Password is important security in the form of a word or string of characters used for authenticating users to gain access to a resource. It is recommended to use Strong Password Generator or create strong passwords manually (by using Capital and Special characters i.e.: &#@$(!) with your passwords)
6. Secure your Home Network
Securing your home or workplace network helps Protect your Network Against Common Cyber Attacks. Necessary security settings are done on the network router, Configure your router and do Basic Network security Configuration on your home or workplace router to keep you safe from cyber attacks.
7. Surf the Internet and Use Email with CautionÂ
Both Email and Internet downloads are commonly used vehicles for delivering harmful programs to your computer. Cybercriminals use Email Spoofing and Phishing methods in an email that deceives you to click a link to steal your confidential information and download to disrupt the function of your computer. They usually include a persuasive link in the email and use a fake email address to send the mail. You are advised to always observe the email you receive before you click the link included or download the file attached. Good anti-virus and spyware installed may protect your computer from such attacks.
In conclusion, complete protection according to the above information provided and regular protection updates by applying the latest protection updates and repeating the same protection periodically; i.e. monthly is recommended. You also need to create a system backup and restore your system in case the attacker becomes successful in carrying out the attack on your computer, so the backup will help you restore your affected system.