The advent of mobile devices may have reduced the number of people who use PCs. However, there are still many people who use PCs at home and in business settings. The cyber threats facing PCs a decade ago and today have not changed, but they have instead evolved. Let’s get started with How to secure your PC with the step-by-step guide.
Risks facing PC users
The risks that face PC users in 2022 include are Malware and Phishing.
1. Malware
Malware or malicious software is more common than most people realize. It is a term that refers to attacks such as viruses, spyware, trojan worms, etc. Malware is code designed by malicious actors to damage or gain access to computers or servers.
2. Phishing
Phishing is another common risk. Phishing is done via email or text, with the hackers sending you an email or text with a link or attachment. Mostly, the emailers disguise themselves as legitimate entities like PayPal or your bank. When you click on the link, the fake website you are redirected to prompts you to enter your details. These details are used to steal your identity or even sweep out your bank account.
Steps to secure your PC in 2022
Mitigation measures
When it comes to cyber risks, all is not lost, and you can use numerous measures to protect yourself. Here are just a few of those mitigation measures:
1. Use a VPN
Using a VPN to surf the web is one of the best measures you can take. A VPN or Virtual Private Network plays several roles, including encryption and hiding your IP address.
VPNs use the AES-256-bit technology, an encryption standard used by financial institutions and government agencies to encrypt their data. If you surf the web on unsecured networks, the VPN will hide your IP address, meaning no one can tell your actual physical location.
2. Activate your firewall
Your PC comes with an inbuilt firewall, regardless of the operating system, whether macOS or Windows. The firewall does a good job of detecting, preventing, and eliminating malware.
3. Install anti-malware and antivirus software
In addition to the inbuilt firewall, anti-malware software will help detect any complex malware that might get past the firewall. Viruses sometimes tend to be very complex and might get past anti-malware software. Installing the two software gives you extra protection.
4. Avoid links and attachments.
Avoid any links or attachments, even on seemingly legitimate emails. Hover your mouse on the link, and if it reads HTTP instead of HTTPS, discard that email; it’s a fraud. Go to your browser, safely navigate to the website indicated on the email rather than clicking on the link.
5. Enable automatic updates
Your PC should have automatic updates. These updates sort out any security weaknesses that hackers might exploit. Enable your PC to update automatically in the background whenever any updates are released.
Conclusion
Using your PC without taking any security measures is a recipe for disaster. You can never be too careful, and taking these measures will protect you from losing your data or damage to your PC. Most people take security lightly until their PCs are under attack. Sometimes the attacks are covert, and they wreak havoc without your knowledge until it is too late. I hope these methods should you to secure your PC.
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