Computer security is a huge concern as cyber threats have increased a lot. You need to be extra careful otherwise you will end up losing your sensitive data to hackers or get yourself locked out of your computer. It could also cause you a lot of mental stress and financial loss.
Some of the known threats are Malware, viruses, Spyware, Ransomware, etc. To keep your computer protected from these threats I am going to describe some points that you should always keep in mind.
Top 6 Computer Security Tips For Your Windows 10 PC
This article will guide you to protect your computer from the most common types of threats.
1. Use 2 Factor Verification:
Many email service providers and other social media services use a 2-factor verification method to keep your account safe. The 2-factor verification method adds one more step before accessing your account and blocks unauthorized access.
How to Enable 2 Factor Verification in Gmail:
Generally, people use the Gmail email service every day. It is one of the primary modes of online correspondence. And generally, people create their social media accounts with Gmail. So, it should be your utmost priority to secure your Gmail account. Follow these steps to enable two-factor verification in Gmail-
Step 1: Log in to your Gmail account.
Step 2: Now type accounts.google.com in your browser.
Step 3: In the left side options click security.
Step 4: Now a new page will appear. Here go to “Signing in to Google” and click on 2-Factor verification.
Step 5: Now follow the steps. It will ask you to enter your mobile number.
Once the process is completed your account will be protected with 2-factor verification. Now every time anyone tries to log in to your account from any device Google will send you a verification code. Without this verification code, your account won’t log in.
The 2-Factor verification method is available on many popular services i.e. Outlook, Instagram, Amazon, Facebook, etc.
So, if someone even manages to find your password he/she won’t be able to log in without the code.
2. Keep Software Updated:
You might be using some software on your computer. You should always keep these software updated. Because the updated version of the software comes with previous bugs fixed.
Hackers find some loopholes to enter your computer through these software.
The software developer always tries to fix the known loopholes to keep their software intact.
Also, You should keep your operating system updated. Windows 10 computer release updates very frequently and you should always have the latest update installed on your PC.
3. Use Strong Password:
People tend to keep passwords that are easy to remember. In a study, it was found that over a million users in the USA use the password 12345.
There are many other popular passwords like qwerty, abcd1234, password, 123456, etc.
You can find a huge list of the most common passwords on the internet and you should avoid using these passwords.
Tips To Create Passwords:
- Use long passwords.
- Avoid passwords that are easy to guess i.e. your date of birth.
- Use special characters in your password.
- Don’t use the common passwords i.e. 12345.
- Use a password manager tool.
It is hard to remember strong passwords and it is not a good idea to write down your passwords. So, to manage your passwords you can use a trustworthy password manager tool. These tools can keep your passwords in a safe vault. These tools save your passwords in encrypted form which makes them unlikely to get stolen.
4. Beware Of Phishing;
Phishing is a very common technique that cyber criminals use to hack your device. It is one of the oldest techniques but people still fall for the phishing traps.
Phishing is a technique in which the hacker sends you an email or message through social media. The message contains a link in a deceptive form.
What are the most common types of phishing messages:
- Huge discount offers from popular shopping websites.
- Messages about winning some voucher or lottery.
- Fraudsters will pose as an agent of your bank.
The message will be very tempting and prompt you to click on it. If you click on the link it will download malware or virus into your system and gain access to your data.
How to identify phishing emails:
- You should always check the source of the message.
- Check the official website of the bank or any other service provider for their official emails.
Only open the messages which come from official sources. - Anything free or looks suspicious.
The moral of the story is you should always verify the source of the message before clicking on the link in it.
5. Block Your USB Ports:
There are moments when you keep your desktop or laptop unattended. Cybercriminals can take advantage of these moments. In your absence, someone can install a virus into your system through your USB ports.
So, it is a good idea to keep your USB ports locked. Also, you can disable your USB ports through setting in Windows 10. Disabling USB ports is not the best option because anyone can enable them using the settings.
But using a robust USB locker software will be a better option because these software have some advanced security functions. One of the most common and useful functions is the password lock. These software require a password to open them so, if someone wants to unlock the USB ports in your absence they will need a password to access the software.
6. Use An Effective Antivirus Program:
Having an antivirus program installed on your computer is always a good thing. Antivirus software have become very advanced these days. They can secure your computer from many unknown threats.
There are a lot of antivirus programs available so, it is very difficult to choose the best for you.
You can choose any authority antivirus program you just need to check some must-have features.
These are the features that you should always check in an antivirus program-
- Protect from phishing links.
- Browsing protection.
- Parental control feature.
- Should release frequent updates.
- Robust firewall program.
- Function to backup your computer.
- Updated virus definitions.
- Should provide a free trial.
If an antivirus software has these basic features then you can choose to install it on your computer.
So, these were the computer security tips that everyone should be aware of. If you want to save your system from cyber threats you need to take precautions and protect your system in every possible way.
