There is a holiday for everything, it seems.
Do you know what that means? More excuses for cake! Treat your tech-hero to a slice of their favorite before you bring up the fact that today is Computer Security Day.
And you need help.
Even the best of us can grow lax when it comes to securing our technology. We assume that we are protected, anonymous, that someone else is looking after us.
We forget that the internet is a world wide web, full of spiders (I mean, mal-intenders) who would love for us to wander their way.
How can you know that your computer (and your identity) are secure? Here are a few places to start:
- Update your Antivirus and run a scan
Or purchase a new license, if your antivirus is no longer active. - Install any operating system specific updates
You should keep these up to date, as annoying as it is to wait for them to install after a reboot. - Update any additional software on your computer.
Some antivirus programs have a separate scan that can accomplish this. Programs to pay attention to include Java, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Chrome, Firefox… - Uninstall any software that looks suspicious.
This may include internet toolbars, browser extensions, programs that you didn’t intend to install, programs that your antivirus has flagged… if you have a question, ask your tech-hero. - Uninstall any software that you no longer need
Ask your tech-hero for assistance with this one, lest you discover that weird program was actually a core system file.
Unless your computer never touches the internet (and I mean NEVER), old unpatched software can leave you open to an attack. Mal-intenders don’t even have to work hard to accomplish their goals… within moments, they can purchase viruses that exploit specific vulnerabilities and attack machines across the globe, all from the comfort of their own homes.