The internet is a daily part of the majority of people’s lives. However, it brings with it an ever-increasing risk of attacks, loss of data, loss of personal information and even stolen identities. If you are one of the many millions of people who connect to the internet on computers, tablets, smartphones or other devices, you can benefit from these 3 tips to make your computer safer.
1 Protect Against Viruses and Malware
Hackers and cybercriminals can use the internet to gain access to your device. They might install malware or viruses on your device and steal information. In the worst cases, they can install key loggers to discover your user names and passwords for your online accounts or banking details.
Once they have these they can access your accounts and find out more information about you or even worse steal money from your bank or use your credit cards. In the worst-case scenario, hackers and cybercriminals can even steal your identity.
Basic or Free Anti-virus Can Leave You at Risk
While computers do come with basic virus software installed, it can pay to upgrade that software. Basic pre-installed software is often only a free trial or only has basic features. This can leave you unprotected if it does not run in the background.
Along with this, the majority of free anti-virus software will not run automatically at set times and requires you to scan manually. This could leave viruses or malware on your device if you forget to perform scans regularly.
Some software covers both viruses and malware, but you can install two separate pieces of software.
The Best Anti-virus Runs in The Background
The best virus and malware software will run in the background continually checking for threats and viruses. This way viruses and malware are caught before they even manage to get onto your device and embed itself into the system, where it can go undetected or be difficult to remove.
The software can also be set up to undertake full scans of your device at a regular period. It can also quarantine any files that may have viruses or malware in them or remove the files quietly in the background without the need for user interaction.
2 Remain Secure and Private With a VPN
Hackers and cybercriminals can find out a great deal about your personal life and steal data and personal details. Whenever you connect to the internet, you are at risk. However, this applies more so if you connect to free WiFi hotspots using your laptop or smartphone.
There is a way you can remain secure and private online and this is by using a VPN, a Virtual Private Network.
A VPN Masks your IP Dddress for Anonymity
A VPN works by allowing you to connect to a server offered by a provider. The server can be one from your own location or it could be many thousands of miles away. To anyone looking it would appear you were half-way around the world from your actual location.
When connected to one of the providers’ servers your IP address is masked so no one can use it to find out your true location.
Encryption provides security
It also puts you behind an encrypted tunnel. The tunnel encrypts any data you send over the internet connection, so no one can read it. This makes it impossible for hackers to intercept any personal details such as your banking or credit card numbers and usernames for accounts.
VPN software may be installed on a wide range of devices, including Windows and macOS computers and Android or iOS smartphones and tablets.
When behind a Virtual Private Network you are not only more secure when browsing the internet, you also remain anonymous. The VPN also comes in handy to hide your online activities away from your ISP to stop them spying on what you do online.
While there are a huge number of providers out there, you can find some providers on the-bestvpn.com that come highly recommended.
While there are free ones out there, when it comes to your security and anonymity we do not recommend them.
3 Keep Your Device Up to Date
Another good way to make sure your computer or any other device is safe is to ensure you keep it up to date.
It is possible to set your device up to automatically download and install the latest patches and security updates for your system.
The security updates will generally download and install on their own at set times, along with other updates, on Windows or macOS computers, laptops and phones, while on Android smartphones you generally receive a notice telling you there is a security update available from your provider. Always install these when asked to boost the security on your device.
Keeping your device software up to date helps to ensure it remains secure and keeps the hackers at bay. Of course, you can also install anti-virus and malware software along with VPN software at the same time to boost the security.