Computer Security is the process of preventing the computer against intruders, malicious intents and detecting unauthorized use of your computer.Here is a list of tips to keep your computer safe and secure:
- Use strong passwords: Use passwords at least 8 characters long and combination of upper-case letters, lower case letters, numbers and symbols which is strong and secure.Never share the passwords with anyone and write down where others can find it.It is better if can avoid writing otherwise keep it in a safe place, and don’t identify it as a password.
- Install a good Antivirus Program & update regularly: Antivirus protect the computer from the viruses,spyware and malware.Installing an antivirus is not enough you should also update it on a daily basis and do a full scan at least one time in a month.
- Get a Firewall Security: A firewall is a powerful tool that helps to protect your computer or your network from intruders, hackers and malicious code.It used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet.
- Disconnect from the Internet when not in use: Disconnect the Internet from the computer when you are not online otherwise there is a possibility that someone can access your computer. And if you dont have proper protection then they can infect your computer or misuse it doing criminal activities.
- Protect sensitive data: Microsoft Office 2007 includes password-protection feature which is very helpful to keep your data encrypted.Never send confidential data in an email, in the body of a message, or in an attachment, unless the data is encrypted.Another way to transmit confidential data securely using Slashtmp which is a good approach for exchanging sensitive data with both others at IU and external users.
- Back-up your computer data regularly: Computer is an electronic device it can be crash any time due to various reasons and computer user can face the pain of loosing data so it's better to keep a backup of all the data's. Most people make weekly and monthly backup of their important data.
- Don’t Visit dodgy or affected site: Never visit the sites which are untrustworthy and dodgy because they contain the viruses and hacking software to harm your computer.
- Don’t share access to your computers with strangers: Stranger's can steal your document's your important data using file sharing option on the internet and misuse it so, it's better to never share access to your computer with stranger's or if you are sharing then make sure turn off file sharing.
- Be aware about unexpected pop-up ads and email attachment: While using computer lots of ads and pop-up come on the screen be suspicious because they may contain malware viruses and harm your computer.Also, be carefull while opening mail and any attached file from unknown sources it's better to install a spam filter in your system. This will guard against any spam finding its way to your inbox.
- Check your security on a regular basis: You should check your computer security at least once a month. Look at the settings on applications that you have on your computer.Check what settings you have and make sure you have the security level appropriate for you.
