Cyber-crime is happening more frequently and with greater consequences. Here are eight things that will help protect your computer.
- Buy and register legitimate software. Unregistered software can’t receive the updates designed to protect computers from outside attacks.
- Install updates as soon as you are notified of their existence.
- Invest in an Antivirus program with a good reputation, and keep it updated.
- Have a Pop-Up Blocker running on your web-browser. This protection keeps potentially dangerous ads from your screen.
- Never open e-mail attachments from people you don’t know, or e-mails you are not expecting from people you do know. Check to be sure they sent it first.
- Avoid clicking on links and delete unsolicited e-mails. When you click on something you are “inviting” them into your computer, and antivirus programs may not be able to assist in removing them.
- Immediately exit any websites you have been routed to without your consent.
- Back up your important files to an external drive or remote storage service regularly.