Or, of course, your home computer. 

The fact remains that no matter where you use your computer, it has a lot of information stored on it. The websites that you visit, passwords stored, financial information, client data, and so much more. So if you aren’t taking steps to protect your work or home computer, then you are at risk. 

It doesn’t take long for you to protect your computer, and to keep it updated should take less than an hour a week. However, it should be of the utmost importance to you. 

Here are some actionable tips to take to make sure that you are really looking after your computer, and therefore your data. 

Photo by ev on Unsplash

Selective Usage

Some sites come with a lock on the URL bar, indicating that are ‘secure,’ but you need to still be vigilant. You’ll need to use your own judgment when deciding if you are going to open a link or not. Typically you will find more viruses and unsavory software on gambling sites, porn sites, some promo sites and when looking for software you might be taken to a website with a lot of green ‘download’ buttons and a confusing layout. 

If you don’t immediately trust a website, then you should leave it. 

Anti-Virus Software

Most computers come with something that is already installed. But you might want to go one step further and purchase something too for extra protection. You should remember that a virus is just one threat, malware and spyware are also possible. So protecting against all of them is ideal. Remember that you are going to need to update this software, and actually give it the opportunity to run. Many people simply click that little X every time they are requested to do something with the software.

Make time to go through the settings and decide what it is you need from it, so you won’t be tempted to just disable it at a later date and put yourself at risk. 

Links

From time to time, there will be an email arriving in your inbox that looks perfect. Well, aside from that one strange character. And the email address is a bit different. The link is probably going to take you to a form that is designed to mimic the real deal – and trick you into giving your details. These phishing scams are becoming more and more sophisticated, so phishing prevention is going to be something you need to pay more attention to. 

Browsers

You really want to use a browser that has in-built security features. The most common ones in use are Chrome, Safari, and Firefox – although there are others to choose from. Always be sure to check your privacy settings on the browser you use as you can maximize and minimize in the areas that you need. 

Using a combination of protection means you are less likely to have something that will damage your computer.