These tips for being more secure in your online life may be reminders rather than revelations for most of our readers, but they’ll all help keep you safer.
1. INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS AND KEEP IT UPDATED
We call this type of software antivirus, but it actually protects against all kinds of malicious software. Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to restore them. Trojan horse programs seem like valid programs, but behind the scenes, they steal your private information. Bots turn your computer into a soldier in a zombie army, ready to engage in a denial of service attack, spew spam, or whatever the bot herder commands. An effective antivirus protects against these and many other kinds of malware.
In theory, you can set and forget your antivirus protection, letting it hum along in the background, download updates, and so on. In practice, you should take a look at it every now and then. Most antivirus utilities display a green banner or icon when everything is hunky-dory. If you open the utility and see yellow or red, follow the instructions to get things back on track.
Whether you’ve chosen a simple antivirus or a full security suite, you’ll need to renew it every year. Your best bet is to enroll in automatic renewal. With some security products, doing so enables a malware-free guarantee. You can always opt out later, if you get the urge to switch to a different product.
One more thing: If your antivirus or security suite doesn’t have ransomware protection, you should consider adding it. Many ransomware-specific utilities are free, so there’s no reason not to try a few of them and select the one that suits you best.
2. EXPLORE THE SECURITY TOOLS YOU INSTALL
This story is from the June 2018 edition of PC Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2018 edition of PC Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AUDIO
AUDIO
SMART HOME
SMART HOME
T Mobile
Mobile
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
Affordable security with a focus on flexibility
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.
If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch
New women's health and reproductive features in the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra have the potential to cause harm following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.