The internet is a tool that can be fun, informative, and provide you with everything you need, even the ability to do your weekly shopping. With all it provides for us though, it also can provide us with misery if we don’t keep our computer and devices safe. What tools are essential for keeping us safe though?
Virus Scanners
With the rise of new viruses, malware and Ransomware seemingly popping up every day, virus scanners are essential. While Microsoft Windows may offer a good solution for this, it is a good idea to look to companies such as BitDefender who offer not only free virus scanners, but more better protection when you are willing to pay.
What we need to remember is that new Malware and viruses are created every day and sent off onto the internet to catch the unprotected. Always stay protected, and make sure your computer will keep working to the best of its ability.
Firewalls
Firewalls do their best to protect our beloved computer from attacks that come from the outside world. Either software or hardware, they are used to block suspect communications that could be an attempt to break into your computer. Just like a virus scanner, these are essential. You shouldn’t have much to worry about though as modern operating systems come with firewalls (just don’t turn them off). If you have a router, this is also a form of added firewall too.
Add-Ons
Browsers offer the user a way to get anything they want from the Internet, and that includes viruses and other malicious little bugs. What add-ons and extensions do is to protect us from them. Add-ons such as Web of Trust (WOT), and AdBlocker can be used to protect the browser from visiting dangerous sites, or clicking on suspect advertisements on dodgy sites. If you want to feel safe while browsing, these are the types of add-ons that will help protect you.
Keep Your Computer Up-To-Date
While Windows Updates may be annoying, there are very good reasons to keep up to date with these (or updates for other operating systems of course). Companies like Microsoft offer daily updates to their security software to help against the dangers of the internet, so always be sure to let these updates take place.
Common Sense
The best tool we have to protect us online has to be our own common sense. If something feels too good to be true, then don’t do it. Keep your passwords safe, and never share them, and most importantly, always question everything. Whether they be an attachment on an email, a link to some new “offer” or a free gift. Chances are the price for them isn’t worth it.
Our computers do a good job at keeping us safe on the Internet, but we have to help them. Always use the tools you’ve seen above, and most importantly use your own common sense. Then you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you are protected from the dangers of the Internet.
