Security and your computer

With the recent outbreak of data-encrypting malware, keeping your computer secure is a significant issue. There isn't just one thing you can do to secure your computer, but multiple. So here are a few ways to make sure your computer is as secure as possible.

Operating system security

Is your device up to date?

Keeping your operating system up to date is essential for security. Microsoft does an excellent job of issuing patches and updates for Windows, especially when they discover a new vulnerability.

But if you do not keep your OS up to date with patches and updates, you could be making your computer vulnerable to current or future exploits. If you are still using an OS like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that does not have support from Microsoft anymore, you need to upgrade your OS.

If you have turned off Windows Update, turn it back on. And if Windows Update is not working correctly, here is how to fix it.

Troubleshooting Windows Update problems

Anti-virus security

Is your anti-virus up to date?

A good anti-virus program is essential for security. You can get an anti-virus program with all the bells and whistles (firewall, identity protection, custom browser, etc.). Or you can get one with just a virus scanner. Either way, you have to have some form of protection.

Now, Microsoft has an anti-virus program inside Windows (Windows Defender), which works reasonably well. But there are plenty of other anti-virus programs out there, including a security suite your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may provide.

But if you want to know how they all stack up, go over to the independent IT security institute AV-Test. They test all of the most popular anti-virus programs regularly. They cover multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, and Android).

AV-TEST | Antivirus & Security Software & AntiMalware Reviews

I like using a layered approach to my computer security, using different programs that complement each other.

How to use layered security to protect your computer

Web browser security

Is your web browser up to date?

In my book, having a secure web browser is mandatory. Since web browsers have become targets for online exploits, you must know your browser is safe and secure. I like the fact that Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge check for updates when you start them up.

There is one thing I like to do to my browsers to improve their security, and that is integrate my anti-virus program into them using an extension or add-on. And since ads are also becoming an issue, I suggest using an ad blocker like Adblock Plus. There is a version for almost every browser.

E-mail security

Is your e-mail secure?

E-mail is currently one of the most popular ways to spread malware. You have to be very careful with what e-mail attachments you open. Knowing how to spot a piece of spam e-mail is essential.

How to spot a piece of spam e-mail

I use the anti-spam program Mailwasher to filter out the junk and spam from my e-mail. I also have configured my anti-virus program to monitor Mailwasher for viruses, even though Mailwasher, by default, renders all mail in text format and cannot open attachments.

But when Mailwasher downloads a suspicious attachment, my anti-virus program scans it and flags it as such. I use the Pro version, but Mailwasher has a free version sponsored by advertising.

Eliminate spam from your inbox with MailWasher

Password security

Are your passwords secure?

Reusing passwords is a big security no-no. It's nice to remember your passwords easily, but it can be a nightmare if someone can guess them. That is why you do not want to use the same password repeatedly.

If you are like me, creating a unique password for every different place you log into can be challenging. Luckily, there are password generators that can make it easy to create secure passwords. One of my favorites is the Norton Identity Safe Password Generator.

Norton Identity Safe Password Generator

Using the Norton Identity Safe Password Generator, you can create passwords up to 32 characters long that have mixed case letters, numbers, and punctuation with no similar characteristics.

Now that you have generated a secure password, why not test it out? Gibson Research Corporation (GRC) has a bunch of cool security tools on its website, one of which is Password Haystack.

Password Haystack

Password Haystack is a brute-force password calculator that will tell you how long it will take to guess any password. Go ahead and enter your chosen password and see how long it can take to hack it. You may be surprised at how little time it can take to crack it.