Every day, we are at risk for cyberattacks. Thus, we must find out the computer security best practices to protect our data.
Your company may have the best security apps. But it’s still vital to stay on guard to keep your data safe.
Imagine: you can easily make a mistake by clicking a corrupted link. That small action can lead to a destructive data breach.
Besides, hackers nowadays don’t just attack large companies. They often find smaller companies easier to attack.
Why is that? More often than not, small businesses pay less attention to security protocols. So, they are easier to hack.
Whether you are a part of a small or large company, it’s good to know about computer security best practices.
Read on to know more to protect your data.
Top Computer Security Best Practices
Use a firewall.
Having a firewall is the first line of defense. It will act as a barrier between your company and cyberattackers.
Additionally, your computer may have the standard and default firewall. It is also smart to install internal firewalls. That adds protection to your computer and network.
Beware of phishing.
By all means, avoid unknown emails and links. Also, be careful in clicking pop-ups or ads.
These may contain viruses or malware. So, be extra cautious. One-click can enable attackers to access your computer.
Remember, phishing also leads to identity theft. If you are not sure about a suspicious email or link, report it immediately.
Connect to a secure Wi-Fi network.
In your company, make sure that you secured your Wi-Fi network. It has to be encrypted and hidden from others.
If you work from home, you can use your company’s virtual private network.
Why? Connecting to public Wi-Fi can be risky. Also, there is a possibility of unwanted data access.
Apply safe password practices.
Changing passwords regularly can be a hassle. But, it can be a way of attackers to access your data.
Keep in mind that strong and complex passwords are essential to data protection.
It should pass the following criteria:
- At least ten characters
- Includes numbers, symbols
- Combination of capital and lowercase letters
You can also enforce multi-factor authentication. It is vital to add more layers of data protection. It can be in the form of an OTP sent to your mobile.
Invest in a quality security system.
Investing can be costly. But it can save you from the potential financial loss of data breaches. It can also prevent legal penalties.
This system usually includes:
- external hard drives for data backup
- antivirus and malware applications
- regular system maintenance
Install computer software updates and back up your data.
Keep your computer secured by updating the following components:
- security software
- operating systems
- web browsers
These updates will provide the latest protection for your computer. Also, patches are given regularly to fix new cyberattacks.
So, install that update right away. You can also schedule an automatic update. You can set it on the night when you do not use your devices.
Besides, it is also vital to backup your data regularly. So, if a breach occurs, your data is secured. You can store your data offline or on an external drive.
