As more and more of our devices like our Laptops, PCs, Laptops and smartphones are connected to the internet, the greater the risk of getting infected with unwanted or malicious software. The infections can be mild like slow response time, showing unwanted pop-up screens and etct to more serious ones like bootup problems, automatic shut down and other unexpected behaviours. For those who are tech savvy can get around them and fix them. But for those aren’t they these behaviours affect their work, study, recreational activities and etc. We all know how these devices are part of our everyday life and how much impact they have on our day-to-day living. So, here, I will mention the most basic or fundamental protection measures anyone can take when it comes to use of computers. Either laptop, desktop or tablet PC
Regularly Check for Windows Update and Windows Security Status.
The first and foremost before you consider using any anti-virus software, is to regularly run the Windows Update and Windows Security Features of your operating system. The current Windows 10 operating systems has so many features that malware software developers and cyber criminals can target and through these they can access the PC and do the damage they want to inflict. Therefore, Windows operating system has two important features that users can use for protection. Windows Update and Windows Security are accessible by typing “Windows Update” or “Windows Security” without the quotation marks in the Search Box close to the Windows start up button.
Windows Update
Microsoft is constantly monitoring the development of cyber securities development around the world because Windows Operating System is powering millions of PCs around the world. From corporate company network PCs to individual PCs. As they release updates as counteractive protection measures. So, it is important as users to regularly check for the Windows Updates and when available install them. This will make sure your PC’s operating system is protected from any malicious activities.
Windows Security
Previous Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft ask users to download and scan their computers using Windows Security Essentials security utility software. In Windows 10, it is integrated within the operating system. So use can scan their computers using Windows Security feature. There are lots of options to configure the security aspects. Main on is scanning of the PC.
So, you don’t need to spend anything on antivirus software unless you really need to. Big organizations it is ok to have Anti-virus systems to scan the PCs on the network but for individual PCs, Windows Security pretty much takes care of the PC’s security.
You will require internet access to do Use Windows Update and Windows Security features but it’s worth it. Find a time, top up some data if you are using Telikom, Digicel or BMobile portable router devices and do it. If you have access to Internet at workplace, ask your ICT staff to configure your personal PC to access internet and do the update.
Online Anti-Virus Scanning Services
If your line of work requires you to access your corporate networks, or mobile worker like journalist, sales consultants, engineers or even freelance work, and fell that you need more online protection, then it is good to consider signing up for a online security company’s subscription plan. There are so many to choose from so do your research online before you sign with your preferred one. Below are some of the top in the world to get you stated your search.
https://www.trendmicro.com
https://www.f-secure.com/en
https://www.checkpoint.com
https://www.mcafee.com
For more detailed listing of computer security companies see the PC Magazine’s best Security List.
File sharing
One of the most common way virus spread is sharing of flash or external drives from PC to PC. You can only protect your own external or flash but not the ones from others. As such, some preventative measures to take when sharing files are as follows:
- Share your files through email than copying from portable hard disks or flash memory sticks.
- If’s the file size is big to email, upload on your Google Drive or One Drive in Gmail or Outlook email accounts and share link to those how need to access the file.
- Use social media applications like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp to share small files.
Avoid Opening Junk Mails.
Junk mails are unavoidable if you are using Gmail, Outlook and etc. They pretty much take control of the junk mail and any mail that looks suspicious or out generated, it get sorted into the Junk Mail folder. However, if you sign with your email on some email subscription list then emails from those lists can be frequent and sometimes floods your inbox. So, to avoid that, create two email accounts and use one to sign for any subscriptions and one for your main important email’s correspondence.
Don’t use your company or organizational email to sign up for marketing or other email subscriptions. At the same time, use your private Gmail or Outlook mail accounts for your private email communication.
Most viruses and malware spread through email systems.
