By adopting security measures and good practices to protect your devices, you can safeguard your privacy and your family. Here are tips to reduce risks while using the Internet:
Maintain Network Security Against Viruses
Make sure to download recommended updates from your device manufacturer or operating system provider, especially for critical software such as your web browser. Firewalls, antivirus solutions, and antispyware tools are fundamental defenses that help block attacks and maintain strong virus protection on your devices.
Keep Everything Updated
Regularly update your operating system, browser, and critical applications, and take advantage of automatic updates when available. These updates help fix software vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to monitor your activities or steal your information. Microsoft’s Windows Update service provides updates for Windows OS, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and security updates that enhance network security against viruses. For mobile devices, ensure you install Android or iOS updates, which are distributed automatically.
Ways to Protect Devices From Being Hacked
Antivirus software helps protect your device and enhance network security against viruses by preventing viruses that could destroy your data, slow your device, or allow hackers to send emails through your account. Security programs scan your files and incoming mail for viruses, then remove any harmful content. You should update your antivirus software regularly to ensure its effectiveness. Make sure it’s always running and scan your system daily, especially when downloading files from the Internet or checking your email. Set the software to perform a comprehensive system scan at least twice a month to achieve the highest level of network security against viruses.
Spyware refers to software installed without your knowledge or consent that can monitor your online activity and collect your personal information. Some spyware, such as keyloggers, record everything you type, including passwords and financial details. Signs of spyware infection include sudden pop-up ads, being redirected to unwanted websites, or a general slowdown in device performance.
Some antivirus programs include spyware protection. Check your software documentation to learn how to activate antispyware features. You can also purchase dedicated antispyware programs separately. Keep this software updated and run it regularly. To prevent spyware in the first place, download software only from trusted websites, and ensure that the apps installed on your mobile devices come from the Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
A firewall is a program or device that prevents hackers from infiltrating and using your device, and it is a critical part of network security against viruses. Hackers scan the internet much like telemarketers, sending signals to thousands of devices, waiting for responses. Firewalls prevent your device from responding to these random signals and block connections to and from unauthorized sources. This is especially important if you use a high-speed internet connection like DSL or cable.
Some operating systems have built-in firewalls that may be set to “off.” Make sure your firewall is always enabled to maintain network security against viruses. To work effectively, a firewall needs to be correctly set up and kept up to date on a regular basis. Refer to your online “Help” feature for specific instructions.
Use Strong Protection
Complex passwords and strong authentication methods help keep your personal information secure.
Safeguard your accounts and devices by creating passwords that are difficult to crack. Make sure each password contains a minimum of eight characters, blending letters, numbers, and special characters for added strength. Avoid using dictionary words or personal information like your date of birth. Some hackers use programs that try every word in the dictionary and can easily find personal details like birth dates. Try using a phrase to remember your password, taking the first letter of each word, like: Wim@PN (short for “What is my pet’s name”).
Use unique passwords for each online account, whether for financial institutions, social media, or email. If you have many passwords, consider using a password manager to create strong, unique passwords and keep them secure, which further strengthens network security against viruses in the long term.
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Use Stronger Authentication
Many accounts, such as social media, email, and financial accounts, offer advanced authentication methods, such as fingerprint recognition, one-time codes sent to your mobile device, or other features to confirm user identity. These methods enhance personal security and support network security against viruses in every step of your daily usage.
Protect Your Personal Information
While checking email, visiting websites, posting on social media, or shopping, be cautious about the sites you click on and the entities you share your information with. Malicious websites or cybercriminals might try to deceive you into revealing your private information.
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Be Careful What You Click
Phishing attacks, where hackers send messages that look legitimate to trick you into providing personal information, have become more sophisticated. For example, you might receive an urgent message claiming that your bank account is locked and asking you to enter your password or Social Security number to unlock it. Think twice before clicking links in such messages. Most legitimate messages from financial institutions don’t request personal information directly but instead ask you to call or visit the website yourself. Verify that the email address of the sender matches the legitimate source you’re expecting.
When shopping online, verify the site before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Read the privacy policy and look for options to opt out of information sharing. (If no posted privacy policy exists, be cautious and shop elsewhere!) Make sure the site is secure by looking for “https” in the address bar or an unbroken padlock icon at the bottom of your browser window. Using secure sites provides effective protection that supports network security against viruses, especially during sensitive transactions, as your information is encrypted and protected from hackers while it travels over the internet.
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Be Careful What You Share
Social media makes it easy to share details of your life, but it’s important to control who sees your posts. Thieves can use social media posts to gather information and use it to break into other accounts or commit identity theft. To protect yourself, use privacy settings to restrict visibility of personal posts to your network, and limit the information you share publicly.
Responding to Data Breaches
Even if you take every precaution, your data may still be stolen from a company you trusted. If you discover that your personal information has been compromised, take immediate steps to protect yourself. Set up a fraud alert on your credit record and carefully check your credit reports each year. If you think your data may have been compromised, think about placing a credit freeze to stop criminals from creating new accounts using your identity. For more information, refer to your Attorney General’s fact sheets on identity theft. Taking these quick actions enhances network security against viruses and limits damage.
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Protect Your Children’s Privacy
Don’t let your children compromise your family’s privacy. Ensure they understand the principles of safe and responsible internet use. For younger children, install parental control software that limits the sites they can visit. To protect your children’s credit in the future, consider setting up a credit freeze for them. Keep in mind that no software can take the place of attentive parental guidance. Teaching children the rules of network security against viruses from a young age helps them become more aware and safer in the digital future.
Conclusion
By putting these measures into practice and staying vigilant, you’ll enhance your network’s defenses against viruses and safeguard both your personal information and your family’s privacy. Always remember that prevention starts with you, and taking preventive measures today spares you many risks tomorrow. Make sure to update your devices, use strong passwords, and stay aware of digital threats to ensure a safe online environment for everyone.
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