How to Keep Your Computer Secure

Use a strong password

A strong password is the first line of defense against someone trying to gain access to your account. A strong password is:

• At least 8 characters long
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Not a dictionary word

You should also use a different password for each account. That way, if one account is compromised, your other accounts will still be safe.

Keep your software up to date

Software updates often include security fixes, so it's important to keep your software up to date. Most software can be set to update automatically.

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses and other malicious software. You should have antivirus software installed and running on your computer.

Be careful what you download

Be careful what you download from the Internet. Only download files from websites that you trust. Be especially careful about downloading email attachments.

Don't click on links in email

Don't click on links in email unless you're sure they're from a trusted source. Malicious software can be installed on your computer just by clicking on a link.

Use a secure browser

When you're using the Internet, you should use a secure browser. A secure browser is a browser that encrypts your connection to the website you're visiting. This makes it more difficult for someone to eavesdrop on your connection and steal your information.

The two most popular secure browsers are Firefox and Chrome.

Use a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts all the traffic between your computer and the VPN server. This makes it more difficult for someone to eavesdrop on your connection and steal your information.

VPNs are especially useful when you're using public Wi-Fi, like at a coffee shop or library.

Back up your data

You should back up your data regularly. That way, if your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll still have a copy of your data.

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your accounts. When you enable two-factor authentication, you'll need to enter a code in addition to your password when you log in.

Two-factor authentication is available for many online services, including Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter.

Conclusion

By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your computer secure.