To keep the data on your computer protected, you need to follow a number of simple rules. In this article you will learn which ones.
Since the advent of computer systems, cybercriminals are constantly trying to steal or delete other people’s data. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to follow simple rules to protect your computer from viruses and hacking.
Reliable password
The most important thing for any operating system is a password. Make it at least 10 characters, use not only numbers but also letters and special characters. You can make up a password yourself or use a special password generator.
Don’t use your date of birth, names, pet names, movie names, names of your grandparents or a set of simple numbers as a password. Otherwise such passwords are easy to guess with special programs. If your password is strong, it cannot be hacked with any search methods.
Storing passwords
If you have a lot of passwords and they are complex, they are difficult to remember. That’s why you need to write them down somewhere. Passwords can be stored the old-fashioned way, in a notebook or in special programs. With a password manager, you will be able to store and retrieve all your passwords at a moment’s notice. Do not keep your passwords in the clear, do not write them down in social networks and do not send them to anyone in a messenger.
Resetting and Changing Passwords
Use different passwords for different sites and accounts. If someone finds out one of your passwords, they won’t be able to access your other accounts. Use an extra email and phone number to always be able to recover your password or change it to a new one.
Keep your operating system up to date
Don’t use pirated copies of Windows or activator licenses, which often contain various auto-installed adware and viruses. Turn on automatic system updates, or perform manual updates. Check regularly which programs on your computer require new updates.
Accounts
Never work under an administrator account, as it has advanced rights and access to the entire system. Create a separate account with restricted rights and use it.
The administrator account has no password by default. Make sure you set a password on it, so that no one can log in or set their own password with it. Many viruses can block and ban logins to regular accounts. If this happens, you can always login through the admin account and unlock the system.
Screen Lock
This is especially useful if you work somewhere in the office or elsewhere. If you’re away for a while, a login form will show up on your computer screen after a certain amount of time. To access your computer, you will need to enter a pin code or password.
Antivirus
Download and install an antivirus program from the official website, for example, Kaspersky, Avast, ESET NOD32, etc. By default, Windows already has Windows Defender antivirus, which does an excellent job of finding viruses and protecting your computer from them.
Firewall
Turn on your firewall. It will help block all unwanted and dangerous connections to your computer. You can always fine-tune the firewall for specific programs and connections.
Software from official sites
Only download and install software from official sites or sites you trust. Various malware, adware and viruses are very often added to software installation packages.
Backups
And, of course, back up your important data all the time. You can set up backups and send them somewhere to cloud storage, or to an external hard drive.