Your office may have substantial resources to protect your computer from malicious domains and shady networks. Perhaps your IT department monitors new software installations to ensure that employees do not get anything dangerous.

However, as the pandemic pushed millions to work from home, many often looked over the finer security details. Such a transition leaves several points on your PC vulnerable if you don’t remain vigilant. A

Securing Your Computer

Today, your home computer may not be a machine you use purely for leisure, like gaming and streaming. It can contain work data that can land you in serious trouble in case it gets compromised.

Therefore, you should follow a few helpful tips to keep it as safe as possible. However, even online streaming and gaming activities deserve more protection. After all, scammers and hackers have found ways to ruin this seemingly innocent fun. 

Install A Trusted Antivirus

Although most people are satisfied with Windows Defender or XProtect, there are sophisticated viruses on the internet that can be hard to deal with.

Thus, you might consider getting a third-party program to help you protect your computer. If you do stick to using native programs like Windows Defender, do not skip on its updates. 

Keep OS Updates Regular

Every operating system becomes vulnerable to specific threats as they get disclosed within the latest patch notes. So, it helps to keep your OS updates regular, especially those concerning security.

You can set your PC to download and install updates during non-busy hours automatically. However, after the release of Windows 11, we can expect changes to how Microsoft schedules updates. 

Use Secure And Unique Passwords

You may be tempted to use the same passwords for official accounts and social media. You might also choose a simple password for unlocking your computer. 

However, such decisions can compromise your personal details either through physical or virtual means. Cybersecurity experts advise that you use a diverse range of secure passwords (longer than 16 characters, if possible) for all your accounts.

If remembering them is challenging, you can store them in password managers. There are many options for PC, while others can work within browsers. 

Stay Away From Suspicious Files And Links

Links and files that you receive from unverified sources are usually not safe to open. Hackers can use them to install spyware on your system or turn your PC into a crypto miner.

You should also not download or run pirated media as they can have similar issues. That is an excellent reason to run authorized software and use a link checker to verify the safety of URLs. Furthermore, do not forget to check the Word documents you receive via email or other communication channels. 

Securing Your Home Network

Although you have a secure PC, the network you use to access the internet may still have gaps to let in unauthorized access. You can use the below-mentioned methods to remove them.

Encrypt Your Wi-Fi

Most people might pay no attention to what encryption standard their networks use. It could mean the network does not deal with your information discreetly and securely. It is best to use WPA2 or better security for the home network, paired with a strong password.

Use A VPN

Your connection can be vulnerable to interception and tracking when using the internet. Besides hackers, even your Internet Service Providers could gather information about your online behavior. You can avoid this by setting up a VPN for Windows devices at your home.

A Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection, stopping entities from seeing what you do online. More specifically, attackers could capture certain details, but VPN encryption makes it impossible to read. 

Use Secure Communication Apps

Many instant messaging apps lack the protection you deserve. End-to-end encryption is one of the best resolutions available. Therefore, you should switch to more secure apps like Signal that can help you confidently share data with your friends and peers.

Protecting Your Privacy Online

Your digital information is more valuable than all your physical assets. So, it would be best to go through the following procedures to minimize your digital footprint on the net.

Refrain From Sharing Personal Details

When out on vacation or buying a new car, sharing the event on your social media is tempting. But in doing so, you make it easier for stalkers to know precisely where you are or your personal details.

If you wish to share such info, hide any personally identifiable information, and wait until well after your vacation ends.

Apply Multi-factor Authentication

Even if your password gets compromised, you should have a fallback system that prevents unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication assists in doing that by verifying your identity from an external source.

Depending on which authentication methods your service supports, you can use your phone number, email, or an authentication app.

Summary

Securing your home computer is about staying ahead of the curve and keeping most of the data within authorized domains. We hope this quick guide on how to keep your home computer safe gave you a reason to review your cybersecurity measures.