Just about everyone is living a partially digital life these days. We access our medical records online, use an app to do banking online, and email all types of data back and forth without thinking twice.
Having so much of our information in digital form is definitely more convenient, but it can also put you at risk if your personal or business data isn’t properly protected.
About 1 in 15 people were victims of identity theft in 2017. (IdentityForce)
Data breaches don’t just happen to large companies, in fact, criminals often find smaller targets are the “low hanging fruit.” Small businesses and home computer users are often the prime victims of their malicious viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more.
Cybersecurity is important and shouldn’t just be left to a free virus program. When we put together our Security+ Managed Anti-Virus/Malware plan, our goal was to provide the best in PC security at an affordable monthly cost. Because, viruses are bad enough, but having your financial or personal information stolen can be much worse.
So how can you avoid becoming a cybercrime victim and having your personal data breached? By following good security practices and not making some of the common mistakes that leave you exposed.
Stop Making These Computer Security Mistakes and Keep Your Data Safe
Good security practices can make all the difference in keeping your small business or personal family data secure. Nearly 90% of cyber attacks are caused by human error or behavior.
So, by not making these common mistakes, you can greatly increase your overall digital security.
Mistake #1: Using Easy Passwords
It’s much easier to remember your birthday than a 10-digit password that uses a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, and hackers are counting on that. They know all the common passwords that people use and can breach your system in no time if you’re using one.
If you’re worried about forgetting a strong password, use a password manager to both generate strong passwords and keep track of them all for you.
Mistake #2: Thinking You’re Fully Protected with a Free Anti-Virus
The old adage “You get what you pay for” is very true when it comes to computer security. That free anti-virus program is free for a reason, and rather than protecting your system properly, many are adware in disguise.
Anti-virus and malware that is going to protect you properly is not very expensive, and paying a little per month for a reliable software is going to save you from a costly data breach down the road.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Software and Operating System Updates
If you’re clicking ignore every time a software update pops up, you’re making one of the most common security mistakes. While stopping what you’re doing to install those updates can be inconvenient, leaving a security vulnerability unchecked could be much worse. Those updates often contain critical security patches that are designed to fix issues that have been exploited by hackers.
Mistake #4: Downloading Apps from Unknown Sources
Many people forget that viruses and malware don’t just infect computers, mobile devices are also targets. Mobile apps can also contain malicious scripts that are designed to steal passwords and personal data. Be sure you’re downloading only from the Apple iTunes store or Google Play store and that you’re aware of the source of the app.
Mistake #5: Not Keeping a Recent Backup
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and basically makes it unusable. The hacker then demands a ransom, typically in the thousands, to give your data back. This type of attack is thwarted by simply having a backup of all your data stored in the cloud or an external hard drive. Backing up regularly can save the day for any number of security or other technology issues.
Mistake #6: Being Complacent on Free Wi-Fi
You’re at a local coffee shop and think, “No one here would steal my data”, and use your banking login while connected to their free Wi-Fi. You’ve just opened the door to anyone also connected to that Wi-Fi to plant a virus or gain access to the login you just used.
Never use a login while connected to an unsecure Wi-Fi. It’s best to instead switch over to your mobile data or use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
Mistake #7: Not Using a Lock Screen
Lock screens are designed to give you an extra layer of security on a desktop, laptop or mobile device, but many people make the mistake of not using them for convenience. But if a device is lost or stolen, that locked screen can keep someone from accessing everything on your system and in some cases give you the time you need to remotely wipe the device clean.
Mistake #8: Not Consulting an IT Pro
Many residential computer users and small businesses try to “go it alone” and don’t think they need to go to an IT pro for advice on a good anti-virus program or wireless network security. It’s a lot less money than you may think to consult an expert like Comtech PC to ensure your data is secure and give you peace of mind.
Need Help Securing Your Digital Life?
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