Although computers come with their own security software, sometimes they are not enough to ward off bound and determined hackers, scammers and identity thieves from stealing your personal information. This is a fact of life in the digital age. Scary as this may sound, you do not have to give up on the Internet altogether so as not to fall prey against these malicious elements. With the right tools and tweaks in your computer, you can ward off these digital offenders. Here are some simple steps you can do to fortify your PC.
Image source: FoxNews.com
Have a powerful security software in place
The easiest ways for hackers to sneak into your online accounts and eventually take over your computer’s system is through a virus. When your computer gets infected, it is easy for hackers to cause chaos, such as delete your files, steal your personal information, etc. So to defend your PC against viruses, worms, Trojans and other malicious programs, you need to have a powerful software security in place.
There are a lot of premium options such as the Virsec Security Platform that you can purchase for certain costs. However, protection doesn’t have to be expensive. There are numerous security software available online that you can download for free. Some of the best ones include Avast!, AVG AntiVirus, Avira AntiVir Personal, Outpost Firewall, Zone Alarm, SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarbytes just to name a few.
[Read also: How to Scan Your Computer Without an Antivirus]
Set passwords that aren’t easy to break
There are hackers who won’t bother infecting your PC with virus. Some of them simply prefer to use sophisticated programs capable of guessing account passwords. And once they have one of your accounts, they can easily make their way into your other accounts. In such case, the best protection you have is to use not just difficult-to-guess passwords but to assign one different password for every account you have.
The same thing goes with your PC. You will never know when someone is going to break into your home and attempt to access your data. So it pays to password-protect your computer. Always stick with a long password as it is harder to crack. It should be a minimum of 8 characters, with a combination of numbers, symbols and letters.
[Read more: 6 Steps in Making A Safe and Strong Internet Password]
Don’t take security questions lightly
The passwords you use as well as your security software will be rendered useless if the answers to the security questions in your accounts are easy. Hence, pay attention to how you fill up those security questions. Your best bet is to go for random answers or a string of random characters, making them hard to remember. Consider it as though you are adding another password to your account.
Keep your network in check
If you have multiple computers at home and you use a network to connect all of them to the Internet, beware that this single network can be a magnet for hackers. They can simply sneak into your network and relentlessly gather all your information, including the details you transfer from one PC to another. To avoid that from happening, protect your home network. Encrypt it and regularly check your network for unauthorized users, then lock them out. It is also wise to make a unique SSID and a separate Wi-Fi network for guests.
[Read also: Is Hacking an Inside Job?]
Be mindful of your computer activities
All of the aforesaid things will be good-for-nothing if you are not mindful of your computer activities. Keep in mind that hackers always reinvent their methods of attack almost everyday and if you are not vigilant, they can attack right under your nose without you noticing it. So always be careful with the sites you open online. And remember, no amount of passwords, security software and setting changes will replace watchful eyes.
[Recommended read: I’ve Been Hacked! 5 Things to Do]
Antiviruses are really good for keeping your computer safe from unauthorized access, but they make the PC slow. Anyways Windows Defender and Firewall just works fine.
Yeah antivirus programs do eat resources don’t they? However, it’s still a MUST to have in a system. Nothing is perfect I guess 🙂
Yes exactly. Nothing is perfect.
I need to check my PC”s Security again and I would obviously keep in mind all the above points by you Peter..
Regards,
Ashwani Kumar Singh
It’s always nice to read some security articles on and off so as to keep reminding us about its importance huh, Ashwani? 😉
Great points mentioned here!!!
The gist of it all is to keep vigilant. Nobody like intrusion in their personal life, same goes for the gadgets. keeping them safe should be paid heed too.
Thanks for the share.
The problem with security is that most people tend to neglect it and they only realized it’s important when their systems got infected.
So true,
We just learn from our mistakes. But when it comes to cyber world, it is better to take precaution rather then running after the cure!!!
Exactly, Rashmi!
Great tips to keep our computer protected from hackers. I think we must also check our PC for key loggers, so as to become sure that no one’s keeping an eye on your computer.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, PrIyAnGsHu!
I have been using Avira for a couple of years now and I am very happy with it. Taking computer security seriously will save us from future problems. I think it’s a good idea to use both an antivirus program and an antispyware software to get maximum security and thanks for the free security tools tips Peter.
Yeah agree! It’s always better to take precautions too as the old saying goes: prevention is better than cure 🙂
It’s really nice post Peter! Making people aware & cautious about their PC, from sudden breaching of hackers, infecting your PC & stealing your valuable datas. The best thing i like in your post is the stress you have given on paying attention to security questions & comparing to your second password of same account. Also keeping a check on your network. Most of the people get easy after having a strong password and strong antivirus program installed in the PC. Rarely people take care of last three points from your article. I would suggest readers to take them seriously. And i believe that their are still many ways by which we can protect our PC. I would like to learn more from you Peter if you have anything to share in this regard.
To me, security is not a “set and you can leave it alone” that sort of things. It’s a “process” that needs to be “watched” and “practiced” regularly. It’s an on going thing. Technology is fast advancing every now and then, the antivirus that works today might not be working the next day as new viruses are being developed everyday. All I can say is keep your antivirus updated and be cautious when using the internet. Thanks for commenting, Sanjib!
I don’t use a login password for windows. I never thought about someone breaking in and getting my stuff on my computer. Years ago did use a login password for windows, but I had a secondary computer that I couldn’t remember what my password was. I stopped using one ever since. I probably should, but with my luck I would wake up one day and forget what it was.
I’m using a face verification software to login to Windows, as well as a login password in case the software couldn’t verify my face due to lighting issue or some sort 🙂
Very cool article! I use Microsoft Security Essentials which works perfectly for me as it does not use a lot of system resources… although I recommend something more robust for high risk users. A lot of the computers that end up getting infected are also rife with browser toolbars. Be careful downloading and installing anything… go through the process slowly and make sure to uncheck any tag along products. I run malwarebytes at least once a month on full scan. If your computer is acting a bit slow check out my site and let me know what you think!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joseph. Great site you have there by the way 🙂
Also won’t hurt to buy a new router every year or so.
You’ll get faster speed and better range and you’ll increase your security.
Here’s a security question:
Have you ever tried to get a new IP address from your ISP?
Thanks for the advise, Darnell 🙂
I always keep my antivirus updated and use strong passwords to ensure my safety online. it is a fact that we have to be cautious at all times.
Well said, Jeremy!
This post carries some of the effective tips for keeping the unauthorized access at bay. To keep my laptop secure from hacking, I use strong passwords and anti-virus softwares. Thanks for sharing the tips. I will incorporate few more steps in order to preclude hacking.
You’re welcome, Aayna!
My computer has been hacked once by a mischievous group of university students who did it just to experiment their hacking skills. I have added protection to my computer but I really dread it happening to me again. Thanks for sharing the useful tips.
Hope they didn’t do much damage to your computer. They should have put their hacking skills into good use instead!
In this digital age, it has become really important to protect our PCs and accounts from hackers. Everyday new means are being developed to break into a secure area. We need to be extra vigilant and take them seriously. The security questions are ignored by many and they become a weak link for breaking in. You have made a good point of getting creative while answering these security questions. Nice post.
Thanks for commenting, Vicky! Hope to see you around 🙂
nice article peter,
today most of the accounts are being hacked because people think about setting a good and powerful password very lightly..,
here you’ve talked about setting a different password to each account, but in my opinion it is very hard to remember all the password you type.. 😐
There are software designed to manage multiple passwords. Should Google and check them out. Thanks for commenting, Rohit!
yes i do agree with you..choosing different password is must because it is more secure and we have software and extension for storing different passwords
Hey Peter,
Thanks for sharing these important tips of keeping hackers away from accessing our computers. We have to update our antivirus regularly for protecting the computers and Yes, we have to choose different password.
Thanks for the worthy post. To protect my system from hackers i will always prefer to use a decent antivirus will regular update also i usually apply strong passwords at login
Great way to prevent hackers & be more secure in computing. Every people get advised from his own mistake but in this virtual world prevent is better than cue.