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2. Consider an Alternative Browser
If you happen to be less than savvy about IT and the internet in general, the chances are that
the browser you’re using is Internet Explorer. It is generally recommended to change to Firefox
or Google Chrome as these browsers have applications and features that you can add to the
browser to increase security while browsing online.

Changing your browser is not the end of the world! There will be a few noticeable differences
but both Firefox and Chrome are incredibly easy to use once you’ve gotten used to them and
applications such as Adblocker and Pop up Blocker are incredibly useful as they help to filter out
some of the Spam you come across when browsing normally.

Adblocker works wonders as most websites will run adverts in the background or on the side of
the main website to generate revenue. In most cases these adverts are harmless if you don’t
click on them. However there is the occasional advert that will ‘pop up’ or start playing
automatically and these can be both dangerous and annoying. Adblocker helps to disable these
adverts so that you simply don’t see them.

3. Use ONE Guaranteed Antivirus Program
“I can’t choose one Antivirus program? Isn’t it better if I just install them all?” While in theory this
may work a treat, in reality the antivirus programs actually cancel each other out. Many
programs are trained to detect other antivirus programs and to see them as threats, as some
malware is coded to look like an antivirus program (the perfect disguise).

If you install two or more antivirus program, the two programs will spend so much time trying to
fight each other and contain the other program that your computer is left off more vulnerable
than it was before.

Read reviews, look at statistics and do your research before choosing an Antivirus program.
Surprisingly some of the best programs out there are actually free, so make sure you’re not
getting ripped off before choosing!

4. Data Backup
In the case of a complete system shut down where there is no way to recover data lost, having
a backup disk or memory stick with all your files duplicated onto it can be an incredibly useful
thing to have. It is essential to regularly back up your system in the case of a PC wipe as then
you can quickly restore your PC back into working order with minimal effort and without having
to spend hundreds of pounds on an IT technician who would normally have to find and restore
all the files.

Make sure to keep your backup in a safe place and try to backup your files once every few
months, more so if you feel the need to. It could save you a lot in the long run!

57 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – July 2014 Edition
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