I get asked a lot of questions about how to keep my computer secure, how to completely stop viruses and whats the best way to protect my self on the Internet.
Depending on what you do everyday with your computer and online my answers are always different, but there are some thing s which are universal and it doesn’t really matter what you do, it will always be good practice.
The internet is like anywhere else in the world and should be treated with the same awareness and security.
On the internet you will find people who will like you, want to help you, hurt you and want something from you. Its not much different from the real world.
A good Password
Most security problems related to your computer or the internet, such as email and banking etc can be prevented by a good secure password.
A good password should consist of at least 8 characters of mixed upper and lower case accompanied with numbers and symbols.
Many people make the mistake of also have a very good password but using it on multiple accounts.
For instance if you sign up with a particular service and use the same password ad your email and back account details. The owner of that service now has the ability to see your password and then also has your email and bank password as well.
Use HTTPS as often as possible
HTTPS (Secure Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is a secure transfer protocol used by a lot of websites now like Facebook and your bank to secure the connection between your web browser like Google Chrome and the website you are connecting to.
Through the magic of mathematics your session communications can be encrypted if the website supports it and you are using the latest browser to make sure other people of software can not see what you are doing.
Not all websites support HTTPS and some give you the option. For your personal security and the security of your computer you should always use HTTPS when given the option.
Software Updates
Software updates are not just important for making sure you have the latest and greatest software, they are usually comprised of security updates to increase your level of security.
Sometimes software developers miss things when developing software and other times new security risks arise which need to be addressed (patched).
When software companies find new security vulnerabilities in their software they issue updates which you should ALWAYS get to make sure your software is as secure as possible.
Many people think getting the latest gizzo or product on their computer will keep them more secure, but it is not always the case.
Antivirus
Everyone I know seems to have a love hate relationship with Antivirus programs.
Some are too intrusive, some are too slow, and others too annoying. Worst of all they are not 100% proof so a lot of people ask me whats the point of having them at all!
I think you should always use an Antivirus program. But, here is an interesting fact. Every home or business I go to which has a virus has some sort of antivirus protection. Whether it is the most well known or more obscure security software the potential is always there for viruses to get in and jeopardize your security.
It makes you wonder how many virus problems you would get if you didn’t have antivirus software.
