Every second, there is malware making rounds in user computers. That is why you need to be vigilant about cyber security and alert in case a notification indicates the detection of a virus. Laptops are full of personal and sensitive data, which must be protected at all costs.
Anytime you are connected to a network, you are vulnerable to threats. The internet is at the center of business operations and our daily life. This further exposes us as targets to hackers and cybercriminals.
Malware attacks are detrimental. They can cause equipment failure, loss of income, and downtime. 60% of small businesses that suffer cyber-attacks do not survive; they close within six months after the attack.
Being a potential threat every time we use the internet, it is important to know how to protect your laptop or computer from malware. Here are ways to deal with such threats.
- Practice Good Password Etiquette
To protect your data, you must have good password etiquette. While most people prefer to use their birthdays, names, or even special occasions, it is not recommended. They are very easy to crack, so you should use complex passwords.
Practicing good password etiquette also goes a long way in ensuring no one gets their hands on it. For instance, if you are using your laptop in a public area, ensure that nobody sees when you enter the password.
Also, always log out from your Uptown Pokies account before you leave your laptop with people around; they could easily steal or change your password. Avoid entering your password when using public Wi-Fi unless you are using VPNs.
Use strong passwords with fewer than eight characters, including numbers, symbols, and letters. Change your passwords regularly to prevent hackers from keeping track of them.
- Update your Software
Keeping your software up to date is essential to data security. Developers routinely update their programs to fix bugs that hackers would take advantage of.
Keeping your software up to date eliminates vulnerabilities. Outdated software has weaknesses or holes, which hackers use as entry points. They can inject malware into your laptop through just a click of a rogue website, playing infected videos, or opening a compromised email or notification.
Software updates deny hackers opportunities to enter your system by keeping them out. In addition to patching security holes, software updates add new features to optimize the performance of programs and your entire computer.
- Install Antivirus Software
In addition to taking all the precautions, it is important to add an extra layer of security by installing antivirus software.
The software detects unusual activity and unauthorized program files on your laptop and eliminates them. You could also use antispyware software to keep rogue programs away from your computer. Spyware programs monitor your activities and then sell data or information to third parties. This does not only breach your privacy but also exposes your data to insecure third-party websites.
Antivirus software will help protect your computer from major threats.
- Avoid Links Within Emails
It is easier to click on phishing emails than you think. That is why you should be careful when handling links within an email. You can install malware on your laptop or even share sensitive data with a single click.
Stay alert and avoid links from suspicious emails. The good news is there are several ways to prevent it. Always check the source, sender, and intended recipient when you receive an email. If the email comes from a suspicious account and multiple people you don’t know are in copy, avoid it.
The subject line can also help you distinguish between a trustworthy and a phishing email. If the subject line seems off or does not make sense to you, it signifies a phishing attempt. The content of the email will also speak volumes about its legitimacy.
Look out for things such as misspellings, bad grammar, language, or a message that does not make sense to you. Always scrutinize attachments and hyperlinks before you download or open them. Take your time to open links and attachments; don’t open them until you are very sure about the sender. Some things to look out for in dubious links include many numbers or text and the lack of relevance of the link and the rest of the content.
Most phishing emails will be sent at odd hours and days; therefore, look out for this too. Anytime you receive an email, don’t be too fast to open it. Take time and think, and you will avoid phishing attacks.
- Backup Your Data
When equipping yourself for cyber-attack protection, it is important to remember that some of the attacks could end up successful. Data backup gives you continuity even if a hacker limits your access to your files. Backup reduces downtime, which saves money and time, and also protects you from paying a ransom.
Have your data in at least two copies and store them in different locations; cloud storage is also an excellent option.
Conclusion
In an age where we rely on the internet for everything, an increase in cybercrime is expected due to the increased opportunities.
Take an active step towards keeping your laptop free from viruses through practicing proper password etiquette, updating programs, installing antivirus, and being on the lookout for phishing emails.
