How to stay safe online
How to protect your PC
1. Make sure you have anti-virus software including anti-spyware software and a firewall
Anti-virus software works by constantly scanning your computer, incoming files and emails for viruses. It is one of the main defences against online problems. Your anti-virus software must be kept up to date to make sure it works properly.
When it comes to buying anti-virus software you have the choice of standalone programs or security suite packages that include other protective software such as a firewall, spam filtering, anti-spyware and more. It is advised that for beginners it is probably best to buy a suite. Always make sure you buy your anti-virus software from a reputable company.
Some companies also offer free anti-virus products. These are usually scaled-back versions of the software you can buy.
2. Make sure you have a firewall and have it switched on
Although anti-virus software does its best to protect your computer it can’t protect against everything, including computer hackers. A firewall acts as a barrier between the public internet and your private computer or network and blocks threats including some viruses. A firewall is best used with an anti-virus software.
3. Keep your computer up to date
Microsoft updates its operating systems and applications regularly to block new threats. To make sure your computer is protected you should make the most of these updates. Computer hackers are more likely to find ways of infecting older software.
4. Regularly backup your files
Backups are your last line of defence if anything goes wrong with your computer or if you lose any of your files. You can back up on recordable CDs, DVDs, USB flash memory sticks or an external hard drive. It is a good idea to try to keep a backup of your files. Make sure you encrypt and password-protect backups to protect your privacy.
5. Encrypt your wireless network
Without protection, Wi-Fi (wireless) networks are vulnerable. Wireless networks use a radio link to connect to other computers. Anyone within range can pick up the signal or transmit on the same frequency leaving Wi-Fi networks susceptible to eavesdropping, hackers and freeloaders.
Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your hardware to use encryption and strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network.
If you do not take these steps to protect your computer and your computer gets infected by a virus it could lead to identity theft, fraud, loss of data or a slow or unusable computer.
