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Improve Your Computer’s Security in 5 Simple Steps

Whether you have a laptop, a netbook or a high-end PC it is incredibly likely that you do more
than just check your emails on it. With the recent development of online technologies to include
shopping online and even online banking, it is incredibly important that you ensure the safety
and security of your computer. Plus if you have a business PC, and store any client files in your
documents it is important to ensure that these are secure. A breach of client privacy is a huge
issue within any business.

Because of the anonymity provided for hackers online it has become more dangerous to share
information online and even offline on your PC. This is why it is important to make sure you
have the right security measures in place to stop any potential hackers or data-thieves in their
tracks. There are a number of precautions you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim
to hacking, however as with any security measure these are not fail safe methods, so it is
important to continue to update your security in accordance with your privacy needs and budget.

1. Password Protection and Changing Passwords
Password protection is essential for any level of security. Whether you have a PC or a tablet,
even if you only use it while at home, it is important to at least use a password on the login
screen. Although it doesn’t provide a huge level of protection it is still one extra barrier for
potential thieves to cross. All online accounts created require you to have a username and
password and it is vastly recommended that you have several different passwords to use as
opposed to a single password for every account.

If you have trouble remembering passwords, don’t write them down in a document on the
computer! This is a rookie mistake. Try writing it on a piece of paper to keep in your wallet or in
your diary, but don’t make it obvious that it is a password! People often keep nonsensical notes
in their diaries and wallets and you should recognise it when you see it.

Setting up password policies within a business is also essential if you are handling sensitive
client information. Password policies often have a set of requirements that the password needs
to fulfil before it is accepted as the user password. For example some requirements may be that
a password is a minimum of 8 characters and it contains one numeric figure and a capital letter.

You can also make sure that passwords are changed every 30 days or every month to reduce
the chances of a password being used for nefarious means. It may seem annoying but it is a
good security measure.

There have even been some companies who state that a password cannot be the same as 24
previous passwords. Imagine having to think up 24 passwords that meet the requirements! But
it greatly improves security.

56 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – July 2014 Edition
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