For most of us, the Internet is a fun place. But, we overlook how it is riddled with malware artists, online scammers, and hackers.
So, if you don’t want any malware bugs to feed on your money and if you value your digital identity – follow these simple security tips while using the Internet on your Windows 10 computer.
#1 Get Better with Passwords
Your identity isn’t a secret amongst your peers, so keep passwords that aren’t simple spellings of your names, pet names or names of close relatives.
Use a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters. Also, special characters and numbers can make your online and offline accounts more secure.
#2 Keep Locking
Always use software or applications that enable a lock pattern to your devices and computers.
These lock patterns or FaceLock can be patched up to your user account security features. It ensures that no other person can access your data in your absence.
#3 Don’t Forget to Log Off
After your work ends, don’t leave your computer without logging off.
The session may remain open until the time the computer automatically logs off, but these few moments are enough for cyber attacks and malware hacks.
#4 Visit Trusted Websites
Each website comes with a certificate. New browsers and their extensions reveal the safety of websites by scanning its certificate.
Always browse through or shop from websites that are developed by authentic enterprises. Surfing through such genuine websites keeps us carefree.
#5 Keep Track of Software Updates
Remember the Windows Update feature.
Keep using it to make sure your entire Windows Software suite is upgraded with the latest security patches, protocols and algorithms.
Spend your downloading bandwidth on keeping software up-to-date. Also, consider installing updated software instead of older versions.
#6 Don’t Fall for Freeware
Freeware attracts a lot of internet users. These software tools are free, but they do cost a lot to users. Encrypted with malicious patches, freeware programs can infect your system.
So, don’t install software that are completely free. You can modify the controls of these freeware if you want to install them anyways.
#7 Identify Your Online Peers
Not everyone linked to your Facebook account is your true friend. Beware of people who may pull out info on your security credentials from you.
Casual conversations may lead to you giving away your passwords or probably letting hints slip through.
#8 Use Antivirus
Most certainly, you should install antivirus software on your Windows 10. Your downloaded files will be scanned effectively.
Existing files will be checked as well. The antivirus may further warn you from potential threats and forthcoming malware attacks.
#9 Use 2-Step Verification
Receiving a pass-code on your mobile every time should not be considered laborious or inconvenient. It is actually a great way to allow our online accounts to consider only one authentic access at a time.
#10 Prefer URLs Starting with ‘ https ’
Lastly, go for any website that starts with the ‘https://’ prefix, and not just ‘http://’. According to the networking protocols, the former indicates a secure access to websites.
The HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure, hence our information remains safer in presence of such websites.