How can you tell if your computer is safe?

With the number of cybercriminals on the internet, computers are extremely susceptible to hackers, viruses, phishing attacks, malware attacks, and much more. It is important to know whether one’s computer is safe and protected from such attacks. A way to test your computer’s safety is to test its settings. Checking your settings includes checking your user account passwords, ensuring that there are no weak passwords. Having weak or disabled passwords makes it even easier for hackers to carry out their crimes. Checking your settings also includes checking what folders you have are public or private. Having open folders means anyone on your network can also access them so it is important to pay attention to what folders you want to have public. Second, make sure your browser plug-ins are up to date. Browser plug-ins are software components that add to the functions of your computer program. This includes toolbars, media players, and text readers. Having outdated browser plug-ins leaves your browser and computer vulnerable to an attack. A third way to tell if your computer is safe is to test your firewall. A firewall is a basic security setup that stops hackers from seeing your computer online. However, a wrong port setting could reveal your computer to hackers, giving them the opportunity to invade. A fourth way is to permanently delete any sensitive files you no longer need off your computer. Deleting files does not automatically remove them from your computer since they can still remain on your hard drive for an additional few days or weeks. It is important to implement a file-recovery program so it can detect whether you still have deleted files on your computer. Other ways you can protect the safety of your computer are to use antivirus software, avoid opening suspicious files or attachments, avoid using USBs or other external devices unless they are your own, and staying away from pirated material. Ensuring your computer is safe and protected is extremely important and easy to do with the right precautions and tips. 

References:

“5 Ways to Find out If Your Computer Is Secure.” Komando.com, 22 Apr. 2020, www.komando.com/tech-tips/5-ways-to-test-your-computers-security-2/9821/.

“Keeping Your Computer Secure At Home.” Microsoft Support, support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keep-your-computer-secure-at-home-c348f24f-a4f0-de5d-9e4a-e0fc156ab221.