If you connect to the Internet, allow other people to use your computer, or share files with others, you should take steps to protect your computer from harm. Why? Because there are computer criminals (sometimes called hackers) who attack other people’s computers. These people can attack directly, by breaking into your computer through the Internet and stealing your personal information, or indirectly, by creating malicious software to harm your computer.
Fortunately, you can help protect yourself by taking a few simple precautions. This article describes what you can do to defend your computer against those threats.
Protect your computer
These are ways to help protect your computer against potential security threats:
- Firewall A firewall can help protect your computer by preventing hackers or malicious software from gaining access to it.
- Virus protection Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses, worms, and other security threats.
- Spyware and other malware protection Antispyware software can help protect your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
- Windows Update Windows can routinely check for updates for your computer and install them automatically.
- Windows Defender: This built-in security program by Microsoft is a powerful tool that many have decided to use on its own in favor of third-party antivirus programs. You can learn more about how to use its individual functions here.
- MacOS updates: Just like Windows, you want to routinely check for updates to your MacOS as they often contain security updates for threats recognized by Apple.
Remember, these different tools will help protect you but are not 100% bulletproof. The hackers that live to try to hack peoples computer are persistent and sometimes succeed.
Since operating systems like Mac and Windows reach "End-of-Life" (EOL) dates for their older versions, your computer will become more vulnerable if it is not updated. Once an operating system reached EOL, it no longer gets the aforementioned security updates for new threats, adding to the importance of keeping your device updated. You can click on the respecting links for Mac and Windows to see if the version you are using is still supported. The linked website also has sections for most other operating systems as well.
So, try to be careful when you are browsing the internet and pay attention to what you are downloading and clicking on. Be your own human firewall.