DATA SECURITY

PROTECT YOUR PC NOW!

Here are the basic things you should know and must do to protect your data and your information this 2018. The year 2017 was a year with a series of cyber attacks with hackers penetrating computes with their malware and viruses. We had a record of Petya and Ransomware encrypting and locking people and companies out of their valuable bits. One should take adverse precaution to make sure you don't become a victim.

1. Get your operating system updated to the latest software and firmware; most obsolete software tend to be vulnerable and thus gives hackers a lead-way to steal or control your computers.

2. Arm yourself with antiviruses, firewalls, anti-Petya/ anti ransomware kits (if you're using a windows pc). Do not forget that an outdated antivirus is vulnerable make sure you set your antivirus to check for updates daily.

3. Consider using a pop-up blocker, some viruses can be triggered by ads or unsecured sites. Other plugins like Avast Free internet security can protect you when you're visiting bad or suspicious links. Make sure you enabled them.

4. Don't use cracked software or visit suspicious sites. A big number of cracked applications have either spyware/malware or cryptocurrency miners installed in them. Hackers have learnt to make your PC mine cryptocurrencies like Monero for them while you use their infected software. Moreover, cracked software are bad reputation for programmers/developers it should be looked down on as developers give in so much to have a fully working application functional. My own suggestion is getting opensource applications. There are virtually free-opensource application online for you https://sourceforge.net is a wonderful repository for free apps.

5. Don't reuse your passwords or use simple-to-guess passwords. Consider using reputable applications like dashlane, LastPass, KeePass, Sticky Password, Roboform, etc

6. Consider using Google Authenticator or Authy for your Digital wallets and secured services to avoid phishing and account lockouts.

7. Always use a firewall or a firewall program to browse the internet. Avoid free open/public wifi or internet connections. There's been a vulnerability with almost wifi or routers allowing information to be easily decrypted when using a target network. Always watch your back when you're online.

8. Make sure you back up your data on an external drive or solid state devices like pen drives.

Thank you for reading.
Please ask me your questions and your contributions

Image Credit