These days, it seems like the number of cyber threats we face grows by the minute. With hacking, data theft and malware propagation at all-time highs, it behooves every safety-conscious household to take a stand against the rapidly-expanding plethora of security risks. While there’s no denying that cybercriminals represent a clear and present danger to online security, keeping them at bay doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Anyone looking to protect their home computers from the machinations of online troublemakers should adopt the following measures.
Use Dependable Antivirus Software
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Dependable antivirus software can be an invaluable ally in the fight against viruses. A good antivirus program will provide your PCs with comprehensive protection against viruses, malicious software and various other cyber threats. When shopping around for the right max security antivirus software, look for programs that provide consistent updates, easily-accessible support and user-friendliness. Additionally, if you’re looking to protect other internet-capable devices, keep an eye out for programs that offer multi-device support. If you’re unclear on which program to go with, consumer review websites and message boards can prove tremendously helpful.
Keep Your Antivirus Software and Operating System Up to Date
In order to get the most out of your antivirus software, you’ll need to install updates as they become available. The majority of updates are created in response to newly-emerged threats, and the longer you wait to install them, the more susceptible your computers are to these threats. However, when updates become available while a computer is in use, the temptation to put them on the back burner can be strong. After all, will waiting a few hours – or days – make that big a difference? Even if the chances of falling prey to a new threat are relatively low, every second you put off installing an update is a second that your online security is at risk. To nip procrastination in the bud, simply take yourself out of the equation by enabling automatic updates.
In addition to updating your antivirus software as needed, you’ll need to keep your operating system up to date. As is the case with antivirus programs, many O.S. updates are created to combat new threats and bolster your digital defenses. Unfortunately, many of us have a tendency to put off installing these updates, thereby making our computers less safe. If you have a habit of allowing operating system updates to pile up, it’s in your best interest to enable automatic updates. You can also set updates to automatically install as a computer is being shut down, ensuring that your activities aren’t interfered with while the device is in use.
Use Ad-Blockers
While many online ads are harmless, a fair percentage of viruses and malicious software infects computers through ads. In some cases, ads needn’t even be clicked on for the damage to be done. With this in mind, make a point of utilizing any secure ad-blockers at your disposal. Fortunately, finding dependable ad-blockers shouldn’t require much effort on your part. Most operating systems, antivirus programs and web browsers provide user-friendly ad-blockers that can stop ad-based viruses and malware in their tracks. If you’re unclear on how to locate and/or utilize the ad-blockers that are available to you, your favorite search engine should be able to clear up any confusion.
Exercise Caution with Links
Exercising caution when dealing with links is essential to protecting your online safety. For starters, you should never click a link sent by someone you don’t know, as such links may install malicious software on your computer or redirect you to virus-laden websites. So, if you receive an email from an individual or business you’ve never heard of, avoid clicking any links contained therein. You should adopt a similar approach to links when navigating your favorite social media sites. Links contained in private messages or posts from unfamiliar parties are best ignored.
No one who’s serious about protecting their home computers can afford to take cybersecurity lightly. If you give cybercriminals an opening, they won’t hesitate to attack in full force. Fortunately, keeping your computers safe from an ever-growing assortment of cyber threats doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Taking the time to educate yourself on cybercrime and utilize the appropriate security measures can help ensure that your PCs remain threat-free for years to come.