5 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Computer

Have you or known someone who was "hacked"? Getting hacked is when someone illegally breaks into your computer. Until recently, only large organizations were "hacked." With more people connecting to the Internet, ordinary people are now venerable.  Here are some tips to secure you and your computer online.

Use anti-virus software.

New computer viruses are discovered every day. A computer virus is a program that can invade your computer and damage or destroy information. You could lose your files, pictures, and other important documents.

Here is what you can do to protect yourself.

• Ensure that you have anti-virus software installed. Anti-virus software is designed to stop viruses before they infect your computer.
• Make sure you have the latest version of your anti-virus software.
• Regularly scan your computer using the anti-virus program.

By following these steps above, you will increase the odds of stopping viruses.   

Do you still need help? Click here to get immediate live support from a certified Internet Security and Protection expert.

Do not open emails from unknown sources

A common way hackers infect your computer with a virus, spyware, and other destructive programs is to send out an email and hope you open it. These programs can destroy your computer, steal your identity, and/or take control of your computer. Here is what you can do to protect yourself when using email.

• Delete emails from unknown sources. Don't open them!
• Watch out for files attached to e-mails, particularly those with an ".exe" extension, even if these come from people you know.

Protect your online identity

Many people use the same login and passwords for their online accounts, which makes it easier for hackers and identity thieves to access your online accounts. If they figure out your login and password to one account, they could get access to your other accounts.  Here are some tips to help protect you and keep identity thieves out!

• Do not write logins and passwords paper and attached it to your computer. People who break into your house can steal this information.
• Do not use easy to guess passwords, such as names of your children, spouse, pets, or numbers representing birthdays and anniversaries.
• Create passwords with a combination of letters and numbers. Consider using a password generator program to help make them unique. You can find such programs from a search engine by typing in "password generators."

Protect your computer with a firewall

A firewall offers another layer of protection for your computer. Many operating systems have a built in firewall.  Some anti-virus/spyware programs have a built in firewall feature. Make sure your firewall is turned on at all times.

Need help? Click here and let one of our tech experts guide you through the process.

Back up your computer regularly

You probably have important files and photos on your computer. Nothing is worse than if something goes wrong with your computer and you lose everything. The best way to protect yourself is to back up your files/photos regularly.

Need advice how to immediately back up your data?  Click here

We shared some valuable tips that will help make you and your computer safer online. Do you still need help? Click here to connect to a SupportSpace expert who can ensure your computer is protected and safe.

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