The Best Ways to Secure your PC
Last week I sent you an article on the best ways to secure your Mac. I have had a request for the best ways to secure your PC. I know that most of you who get this newsletter use a PC. I hope this is helpful.
Here are some of the risks PC users face:
● Phishing
Phishing is common across all operating software and is an attempt by hackers to steal your confidential information. This is because phishing scams do not target operating systems (Windows or Mac) but the users. Phishing scams fall into social engineering types of scams. They usually come in the form of links or email attachments.
The message in the email is designed to manipulate your emotions and force you to act. Often these emails make you feel worried that your bank is overdrawn or that you have ordered something online and you cannot remember doing it. They also can make you feel lucky like maybe you won some sort amount of money and you just need to claim it. Once you click on the link or download the attachment, you are redirected to a fake website that solicits your info, such as password and bank details. Really watch out for these because they often have the correct logo or look like the real thing. If you feel worried or doubtful be sure not to click and instead call your bank or Amazon or whoever for information first. Most companies are aware of this and do NOT use email for important things like this.
Malware
Malware is software that can do damaging things to your computer. You may notice that all of a sudden you have a lot of pop up ads even when you are not on the Internet. Also, your computer might be running very slowly all of a sudden. Sometimes it comes from software that you have downloaded from the Internet. Most of the time it comes to your machine because you clicked on something in your email that automatically downloaded the software to your computer. This happens in the background, so you don’t notice it. It is highly recommended that you keep an up to date copy of Malwarebytes Software on your computer.
● Man in the Middle Attacks
Man-in-the-Middle attacks happen when you are browsing on unsecured connections like public Wi-Fi. It is really important to always be aware that public Wi-Fi can allow others to access your computer. The hacker intercepts your communication with another person and alters or modifies your messages. You will think you are communicating with someone, yet you are both communicating with the hacker.
How to stay safe
1. Install a VPN
VPN means Virtual Private Network. When you are home anyone who uses your network must put in a password. When you have a VPN set up you have your own network with a password wherever you use your computer. Even in public spaces people cannot get into your computer. This makes you completely anonymous while online. A VPN also encrypts your communication and protects you from various attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
2. Keep your PC and Programs updated.
When developers roll out software updates, they patch up security vulnerabilities in the previous versions. If you do not update your Operating System, (https://support.apple.com/en-ke/HT201541) the hackers already know which security loopholes to use. Set up your Operating System to auto-update every time there is an update. Even though we have had Windows 10 for several years they are regularly coming up with updates that improve how it works.
3. Use a PC Anti-virus software
There are numerous anti-virus software in the market. Windows 10 has its own security built in and for many people that is sufficient. Just to be sure though I always recommend that installing a known Virus Protection program like Norton or McAfee. This article from PC Magazine has detailed information on which of the Virus Protection programs is the best. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-antivirus-protection
Conclusion
Many of the things that were in the article on Macs apply equally to PCs. The weakest link is always the user. If you do not use good passwords, think about what you are clicking on twice before doing it, or allow anything on the computer to motivate you to fear or doing things you are not sure about you are in danger of getting a virus! Be careful and confident of yourself and you and your computer will be fine!
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