A lot of your banking transactions and credit card purchases are done online. When you do it on your own computer at home, you would think that you are perfectly safe from hackers, fraud, and identity theft. You keep browsing and purchasing and before you know it, your credit line is charged with thousands of purchases you did not do.
Before you know it, your computer crashes because of a malware that has seeped its way to your computer’s system and bugged down the hard drive.
It’s more than just an unfortunate event, it is an upheaval to your privacy and security. You can lose money, credibility, and your identity. Keep your computer safe with these steps to online safety.
Install a firewall.
A firewall is an application or software loaded to your computer and acts as a barrier for your computer (personal details) and the network (a sea of unknown). Your firewall settings can be changed but for your computer’s safety, it is preferable that you set it to browse only safe content websites, limit and filter file sharing, and protect you from possible malware.
Keep your firewall and anti-virus software up to date.
Time and again, internet hackers have found new ways to work through firewalls and anti-virus systems, which explains why there are still cases of hacking.
Good thing the firewall and anti-virus software is also being constantly updated to anticipate the attack and remove these suspicious content from your browsing and downloads. If you keep your software updated, you keep your computer protected from new types of viruses and malware.
Do a regular scan.
Your firewall and anti-virus software take care of your computer’s protection, but it would also be much safer to do a manual scan regularly. This is to ensure that no virus or suspicious content is left undetected. You can also set an automatic scan with your software, and schedule it to do the scan when you are not using your computer, for your own convenience.
Keep the home network secure.
Add a password to your home network/router. Keeping the network open invites hackers around to log in to your server and access private and bank details from your computer. When you have a password for your network, hackers won’t be able to access your computer.
Also, don’t give your network password to neighbors or to just anyone. If needed, put the password in yourself in their devices.
Be an educated online and computer user.
Online protection software can only protect your computer so much. You still control the usage of your computer, and this includes downloads, uploads, cookies, websites, and other online activities you do. Be an educated online and computer user. Open only safe and secure websites. Avoid opening suspicious links and use your computer wisely.
Online security is an important priority, especially nowadays that we rely much on the internet for many of our tasks. While the internet can be a useful tool, misuse can lead to consequences and large costs. Stay safe offline. Stay safe online.
