Practicing Strong Computer Security Habits

Many people use a computer on a daily basis for a variety of tasks such as online banking, working, and storing sensitive information. Recently, scammers and hackers have been intensifying their methods of obtaining your information fraudulently, making it harder to recognize before you become a victim. Staying vigilant online and being aware of certain scam tactics allows you to protect your computer, and by extension your personal information and finances.

7 Effective Ways to Improve Your Computer Security

1. Use strong passwords
   According to Goodfirms, 3 in 10 security breaches are due to weak passwords. Using your first pets name paired with the year you were born is not going to make the cut anymore.
   
   A good tip for creating and maintaining strong passwords across social media, finance, email, and other apps is to use a password manager. If you use a password manager, it will generate and remember your passwords for every online account. If you go this route, it is important to use a strong master password that is saved somewhere secure. Otherwise, you open yourself to the risk of someone getting into your password manager and getting all your passwords at once or if you forget the password you will be locked out of all your accounts indefinitely.


2. Use 2-factor authentication
   Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also helpful tool to keep your data secure. This security feature requires users to provide two forms of identification to access an online account. This can include a verification email, text, or call with a specific code that you have to provide before gaining access to an account. Microsoft notes that 99.9% of compromised accounts do not have two-factor authentication, so this is essential to making sure your accounts are secure.


3. Keep anti-virus software up to date
   Ensure that anti-virus software updates automatically or is updated as quickly as possible to keep your devices secure. New malware is always being developed, so keeping everything up to date ensures that you have protection from a vast majority of viruses and hackers.


4. Avoid clicking suspicious links, especially from unknown senders
   Clicking on links that look suspicious leaves you susceptible to malware being installed on your device. These links can harm your device or compromise your security, so it’s best to play it safe and only click on links you recognize.


5. Avoid using public Wi-Fi
   Cybercriminals can use tools to break into unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This opens you up to vulnerabilities if you use the network. You could be on Wi-Fi, but a hacker can intercept your information and activity, which could lead to stolen credit cards or other sensitive information.


6. Secure your Wi-Fi network at home
   Securing your Wi-Fi at home helps protect you from any cybersecurity issues that could occur. Some easy steps such as hiding your network name so it doesn’t appear in lists of available networks, using a firewall, and using a strong Wi-Fi password will help to keep your personal data secure at home.


7. Lock all devices when you are away
   Make sure your devices are locked down when you are away. If anyone can access your devices while you are not around, they have the ability to access sensitive information that could compromise your personal security.

Cybersecurity Glossary

What is a Virus?
A virus is a small piece of malicious software that is connected to real programs or e-mail attachments. Viruses are virtually undetectable until the user downloads and opens the attachment. The computer becomes infected very quickly -- sometimes without the user even knowing, and all the data stored is now visible to the hacker.

What is Malware?
Malware is a certain type of virus that performs a variety of unwanted functions on the user's computer when infected. When malware is downloaded, pop-up ads may be shown, your e-mail may be spammed with unsolicited messages, and your internet activity may be logged and recorded for the hacker to discern.

What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is similar to malware in the sense that it can be unknowingly downloaded onto a computer by opening unsolicited e-mail attachments, downloading pirated software, or even viewing websites with embedded malware. Once ransomware is downloaded, the stakes intensify as it loads an encryption code onto the computer, ultimately locking access to either certain data or the computer itself. The hacker responsible will not remove the encryption until a ransom fee is paid. Businesses with weak cybersecurity systems continue to be the highest target of ransomware attacks, resulting in temporary or permanent loss of sensitive information, as well as extensive financial losses.

What are some preventative measures to take when recognizing scams?
Staying vigilant and recognizing warning signs is your best defense against scammers. Knowing how these scams work and the signs to look for will enable you to act before it's too late. Additionally, there are some extra precautions you can take to ensure comprehensive computer security.

• Always pay close attention to unknown attachments and e-mail messages and report any suspicious messages immediately.
• Avoid downloading pirated music, movies, and video games. 
• Back up your computer data regularly, preferably to an external disk or hard drive.
• Do not click on unsolicited links or ads in e-mail messages or unsecured websites.
• Utilize anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Make sure they are set to automatically update and run regular scans.
• Carefully read End User Agreements before clicking accept. Be aware of the phrase "Third party software may be installed".
• Report all fraudulent activity to The Federal Trade Commission or The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, even if a scam was only attempted.