5 Steps To Ensure Your Computer Security

FOR MANY YEARS, HAVING ANTIVIRUS INSTALLED on your PC was all that was needed to keep you safe from cyberattackers. And where Macs used to be the "safe" alternative is unfortunately no longer true.

- KEN WONG

01 Five Steps To Securing Your PC

1. Use biometrics to log in

If you are using a recently purchased Windows laptop or desktop with a pre-installed webcam, consider logging in with Windows Hello. This uses either fingerprint recognition using a fingerprint sensor, or facial recognition via your webcam, to log you in. If your computer supports this feature and it works well for you, enabling it is a good step to take, especially if you don’t like logging in with a strong password which could be troublesome to memorise without falling into weak password management routines as time goes by. But apart from logging in to your device, many other services still rely on standard passwords.

2. Turn on automatic updates to keep all software up to date

Make sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep your applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software as well, especially internet browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use. Having up-to-date software lowers your exposure risk.

3. Enable a firewall and antivirus

Antivirus software isn’t a completely foolproof option, but it can definitely help protect against malware, ransomware, and Trojan attacks. A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer or network and the Internet. It effectively closes the computer ports that prevent communication with your device. This protects your computer by stopping threats from entering the system and spreading between devices. It can also help prevent your data from leaving your computer.

4. Be web safe; don’t open suspicious attachments or click on unusual links