Your computer is at risk even when you are really careful about what you download or how you browse. Whenever you are online, you risk compromising your data as your PC is vulnerable to potential attacks or hacks.
Here are 5 simple steps you can take to ensure that your PC is not at risk:
1.) Test your computers defenses
Any file you download from the internet has the potential to contain a virus. Your PCs security system should be able to block dubious files. See check its working, use the excellent Feature Settings Check developed by Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO).
This test comprises of five phases which will help you exposing the weakness in security system. The 1st three steps require you to download a couple of files from their website. If all of these files aren’t blocked by your security software, you need to tighten up your security settings. Of course, these files are not harmful for your PC, but they are designed in such way that any security system should recognize them as potential threats and block them instantly.
The remaining steps involve testing you anti-phishing protection. The program will open a couple of websites on your browser that should be recognized as threat and blocked by your security software. Again, if they aren’t blocked, you know there is a loophole in your security system.
2.) Testing your security software
It is possible that your security software is compromised and as a result, it may let some threats slip by under its radar.
The best way to check if your security software can protect your PC from all the latest threats is to download the Bitdenfender’s 60-Second Virus Scanner.
It acts as a second line a defense by checking every running file in background and scanning all the critical areas for threats.
The cloud-based technology ensures that even the latest threats are detected by this virus scanner. Once the scanning is completed, which takes less than 60 seconds, you’ll be provided with a detailed report so you can take further action.
3.) Update your browser plug-ins
Outdated versions of plug-ins like Flash, Adobe and Java can leave your PC in vulnerable state. You should always ensure that all your plug-ins are up to date.
To make it easier, you can use Qualys BrowserCheck to find every plug-in update for you. It works with almost every web browser, and it automatically detects all the outdated plug-ins and updates them.
4.) Secure your passwords
Are your passwords secure? Don’t wait for someone to crack it to find out. You should make sure that you are using as strong password as you can today. There are a lot of ways to find out the strength of passwords you are using.
We recommend ‘How Secure Is My Password’. Once you enter your password, it will tell you an estimate amount of time it would take a hacker to crack your password. If it shows that it would take only minutes or a few hours to crack it, you should definitely change your password to a stronger one.
Lastpass is a fantastic tool to help you generate, store and keep track of your passwords.
5.) Use Secunia PSI to keep your software up-to-date
Keeping everything up to date is vital for your PC’s security. Hackers continue to search for loopholes in software of companies like Apple and Microsoft. You could end up being one of their victims if you keep using old, or outdated software.
Secunia PSI lists all the outdated tools and lets you update everything in a single click. Plus it rates you PC’s security out of 100 so to give you an idea of how secure it really is. These steps will ensure that your PC is strong, secure and protected against external attacks and threats. Of course, there are other measures / alternatives out there, however these are the easiest to use and most popular tools on the market.
