How to Secure Your PC in 8 Different steps

In this article, you will learn how to secure your PC in 8 steps.

1. Choose the right operating system

Choose an operating system based on its security and vulnerability (Linux has no known active viruses in the wild, OpenBSD is focused on security). Find out if it uses limited user accounts, all file permissions, and is regularly updated. Make sure you update your operating system with security updates and update other software too.

2. Choose the right web browser

Choose a web browser based on its security and vulnerabilities because most malware will come through your web browser. Disable scripts (NoScript, Proxy, and cross-site trackers). Look at what independent computer security analysts (such as US-CERT) say. A web browser like “Brave Browser” will be a great choice.

3. Use strong passwords

When setting up, use strong passwords in your user account, router account, etc. Hackers may use dictionary attacks and brute force attacks in other to gain access. The stronger your password, the more secure your encryption. Many password managers provide a feature to generate a strong unique password e.g Lastpass

4. Download from trusted sources

Only download from trusted sources. When downloading your software, videos, music, and files, make sure is from a trusted source. Some trusted sites include Softpedia, Filehippo, Tucows, Fileplanet, Sourceforge, or your repository if you are using Linux.

5. Install good antivirus software

Install good antivirus software on your PC. Antivirus software is designed to deal with modern malware including viruses, Trojans, key loggers, rootkits, and worms. Find out if your antivirus offers real-time scanning, on-access, or on-demand. Also, find out if it is heuristic. Avast and AVG are very good free editions. Choose one, download and install it and scan regularly. Keep your virus definitions up to date by updating regularly.

6. Install anti-malware

Download and install anti-malware that will detect, prevent or remove malicious software (malware) on your PC. Malware includes viruses, Trojans, spyware, worms, ransomware, adware, and botnets. Anti-malware programs like Spybot can help clean programs and the web usage tracks from your PC. Each time when you browse the Internet, most websites will follow you using all kinds of “aggressive” tracking cookies.

7. Download and install a firewall

Download and install firewalls like ZoneAlarm or Comodo Firewall. A Firewall serves as a shield that is intended to protect your PC, tablet, or phone from the data-based malware dangers that exist on the Internet. Exchanged data take place between your computer, servers, and routers on the internet, and firewalls monitor this data (sent in packets) to check whether they’re safe or not.

8. Secure physical security

Don’t forget to think in terms of physical security! Consider something like a Kensington lock (in case of theft/unauthorized access). Also setting a BIOS password and preventing access to your machine or its removable devices (USB, CD drive, etc.). Don’t use an external hard drive or USB device for important data, these represent another vulnerability, as they are easier to steal/lose. You can use cloud storage such as Mega which gives you secure cloud storage.