The internet has become an integral part of our lives. While the cyber space has emerged as an indispensible tool of assistance, it also brings with it an increased risk of compromised security. With viruses, spyware, malware, and Trojan horses lurking around the virtual space, it is extremely important to keep your computer systems protected.
Given the fact that these online threats are growing more and more potent, installing a good antivirus may longer be sufficient for keeping your machine secure.
Multi-layered Protection
The best way to keep your computer system secure and well-protected from online threats, the single most important step is to invest in multiple level of protection. A few security elements that every personal computer must possess include:
- Antivirus: A reputed antivirus software that is capable of detecting and removing the most complex threats and viruses.
- Firewall: Putting a firewall in place is essential for cutting off internet-related threats right at source.
- Anti-spyware/Anti-Malware: This is an important security element for protecting your computer from malicious software capable of leeching information from your system without you knowing about it.
- Security Suites: If your computer contains classified documents or confidential information that you wouldn’t want compromised, you should invest in a security suite that offers a wide range of protection features.
Secure Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Another important facet of how to secure computer against online threats is to consciously choose a secure Internet Service Provider (ISP), equipped with strong and effective anti-phishing and anti-spam protocols. Look up your local Internet Service Providers (ISP) and read up reviews on their services and credibility before making a choice.
Manual Checks
Even if you have the best antivirus, anti-spyware or a whole security suite installed on your machine, you cannot just rest assured assuming that the software will do its job automatically.
It is a good idea to manually review your computer’s security system periodically to check for any unwanted materials or suspicious files that may have crawled their way through despite all the security measures being adopted by you. You can do this by simply clicking on the ‘review your computer’s status’ option in the System and Security segment on the Taskbar.
Caution with Attachments
One of the easiest ways for viruses and malware to creep into your machine is the attachments sent through instant messages and emails. You can completely ward off this risk by being cautious about clicking on attachments in emails or messages received from unidentified sources or configuring your anti-virus to scan all such attachments.
Run Updates
One of the best ways to ensure that your computer is duly protected at all times is to never ignore update notifications on your anti-virus, anti-spyware software. Updates are designed to add new features to existing software and improve its efficiency in handling more potent threats.
Even though you have put the best measures in place to keep your computer secure from online threats of various kinds, it is never safe to assume that you are a 100% protected at all times because hackers are always coming up with new ways to invade your system.
It is, therefore, best to back-up all your important data on a secondary device such as an external hard disk to make sure you don’t lose crucial documents in case virus or malware infestations cause your machine to crash.
