8 Outstanding Ways To Maintain Your Cyber Security

Using a computer with an internet connection exposes you to a lot of cyber threats. Cyber threats are all illegal activities by bad guys that are meant to harm you by stealing your information, manipulating your sensitive information, hacking you systems, robbing your money or simply knowing passwords to your personal email IDs and social networking accounts. On a higher level cyber security is a serious crime where these criminals can hack governments and blackmail them with the threats of destroying or exposing confidential pieces of information that have been kept secret by governments from the public.

It can get even worse. This is why computer users, even those who use mobile devices, are asked to maintain all cyber security protocols and do the best security practices to keep away from these dangers. You have to realize that you are exposed to identity theft, stealing of confidential information or financial fraud just as much as any big organization or even more. Here is a list of things that you can do in order to make sure you stay away from any dangers on the internet and live with peace of mind because you have proper cyber security in place.

1. Always Have An Antivirus

Via pixabay.com

As soon as you install a fresh copy of an operating system on your system, make sure to install an antivirus too. The thing you need to understand is that antivirus are best when they are defending your computer from being attacked by virus, malware, spyware, adware etc. They can do good work after the computer has already been infected but it can never be as effective as protection before the infection is. The first software to go on your computer after operating system should be an antivirus and then you can install further stuff.

2. Don’t Download Stuff Randomly

People have this habit of downloading stuff on their computers without verifying the softwares. While it feels good to have an antivirus taking care of everything for you, it will not hurt to verify the softwares yourself before you download them. Softwares being hosted on third party websites are often notorious for containing adwares and malwares. You don't even have to give them any permission to install a particular security compromising tool on your computer. Just a simple installation means you have also installed the virus on your computer that will start making changes to your files or stealing information from your computer.

3. Update Softwares Regularly

Via pixabay.com

No matter how few or how many software and applications you have on your computer, you have to keep them updated. The best way is to use an antivirus that has this feature. Latest antivirus software come with the feature of updating any software on your computer that might be outdated. They do this automatically so you don't have to go through the hassle. What needs to be realized at this point is that older and non-updated versions of the software are the best entries for viruses and hackers to get into your computer.

4. Use Safe Browsers

To keep your PC safe, it is good to use the fastest browsers on the market. It is particularly important when it comes to doing business on the internet. You should go for special browsers. You will often get these special browsers with your antivirus softwares. These browsers are designed with internet security in mind. They have features that make it secure for you to make online transactions. They will encrypt your information, allow you to enter information automatically and inform you if you are on a website that is not safe for providing your confidential information. You can use such browsers for your daily tasks too if you want to.

5. Don’t Click On Unknown Links

Via pixabay.com

You can receive unknown links on your emails and through your social networking profiles. Such scams have evolved so much that you will now receive instant messages from random people asking you to talk to them. They look real and don't let any suspicion pass through your mind. However, if you don't know the person and a link is being given to you, just don't click on that link. Be even more careful with the links sent through emails. Apply filters if you receive spammy emails from certain contacts.

6. Always Check SSL Information

Make sure you are on a HTTPS link and not an HTTP link when you are about to provide your personal and confidential information on some website. These security layers ensure that all the information you provide will be encrypted on the website and no third party can access it. In fact, your website should even mention it on a checkout page that they have security and encryption in place on the pages where you are to provide confidential information. If there are no such security protocols, don't do business on this website.

7. Scan External Storage Devices

Via pixabay.com

Believe it or not, external storage devices are the biggest source of viruses and other compromising softwares. You connect a USB flash drive to your computer and next thing you know you have hundreds of viruses on your computer. The best way to keep away from this threat is to have your antivirus on auto scan settings. This way, a USB flash driver or any external storage media will be scanned by your antivirus as soon as it is connected. You can also opt for manual scanning if that option suits you better.

8. Don’t Rely On Trial Antivirus Versions

Some people will install trial versions or demos of antivirus software and forget about installing the full version afterwards. What they don't realize is that their antivirus software in its trial version is not protecting them from half of the things attacking their computers. Antivirus software are updated on a daily basis with new threats coming up every minute. Your trial version will not be ready for these zero-day threats and by relying on some trial or demo version you will be compromising big time on your security. You need to be extra cautious if you are running a business with several computers in daily use. So, always go for full version; you can look up for discount promos and coupons on antivisus software, so you can install one without spending a lot. Also, try to use one of reliable cyber security consultancy services, so they can help you secure all your computers as well as the network they are connected on.