It is the era of computers. From the full room-sized device, computers evolved into our pocket-sized super-machines. It was invented to do the then complex mathematical calculations.
Now, they have become a part of every sector in our day-to-day lives.
Along with their utilities, the threats to their security have quadrupled. Safeguarding computers from various hazards has become a concern for both individuals and big corporations.
Table of Contents
How to Secure Computing?
It is the era of increased security threats to computers. Here are the 7 most effective ways to secure your computing.
Go Original All the Time
The 2010s saw a growth in the software development sector. It leads to a plethora of enticing free pirated software flooding the market. You knew this. But what you may not know is that such software is a hub of malicious programs. They trick us to download them and infect our devices with malware like adware and other viruses. They take up unnecessary processing space and slow the system.
So, it’s always better to use the software with its original license. Genuine software works efficiently and allows the smooth performance of the system. It comes with the necessary security fence. It pops up a threat notification whenever a suspicious entity enters. So, it is time for us to understand that spending on purchasing original software is an investment.
Use Proxies for Modern Computing
Proxies serve as a firewall. They clean the cache, optimize the use of the bandwidth, and boost up the performance of the device. They also shield the device from malware on the internet and tightens the security.
Some countries and institutions install a geotagged digital wall to inhibit access to a few sites. Proxies can also be used to enhance privacy in such cases. It bypasses the wall to enable access to worldwide knowledge.
Proxies for Open Wifi
Does seeing the phrase ‘Free Wi-Fi’ excite you? Well, it excites me too. But open Wi-Fi is dangerously known for its vulnerability. Many malicious attackers entered into the systems of people who were using public Wi-Fi. As public Wi-Fi has been on the rise since the 2010s, you have to be more vigilant.
Connect to only trusted Wi-Fi sources. When you should connect to a public Wi-Fi, use residential proxies from Blazing SEO and proceed.
Residential proxies are a unique type of proxies that enable you to safely scrap through the sites. It gives you different secure real residence IP addresses.
These ethically-sourced residential proxies work over the IP addresses of your ISP.
Thus, they disallow unwelcome intruders to lock into your IP address. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi without residential proxies. Do not toss the security of your device in question.
Never Lose the Firewall
A firewall is security software that acts as a digital wall between the device and the incoming data. It filters and fires any entering malicious data. Fire on the firewall before accessing the web.
The firewall inhibits attempts to access the device remotely. It gives a shout-out to the user during such attempts. It alerts them to take action on it and even suggests a few security measures.
The firewall comes free with Windows and Mac. But you can purchase more robust and more decent firewalls from third parties. FortiGate, Seqrite Firewall, Cisco Asa Firepower, McAfee Firewall are options to be considered.
Firewalls are the first line of defense against a digital invader. It must be rightly used, updated, and maintained for smooth computing.
Use an Antivirus Software
Viruses are scripts programmed to infect a computer. It performs many ill functions ranging from just stealing data to jamming devices. Viruses are made by hackers to steal data to sell or control your device for their purpose.
Modern viruses will be built too technical. They can easily make their way into the system despite the firewall. Once they are inside the system, they behave notoriously. It demands strong anti-virus software to attenuate its functioning.
Beware of Click baits
Have you ever seen a poster that you have won $500,000 that asks you to click to receive money? If you had clicked it, what you might have received was billions of ads and spam emails, not $500,000. It is the tactic of clickbait ads in fishy sites.
With many such sites coming up these times, always think thrice, not twice, before clicking an alluring poster. Residential proxies show a higher level of protection against such adware by their robust ad verification mechanisms. They help in weeding out such clickbait ads. So use residential proxies and get freedom from those repetitive ads.
The 2FA Defense
People unintentionally use similar passwords in similar ways. According to Entrepreneur, nearly 70% of people use the same password for their different accounts. About 90% of the passwords can be cracked in a few seconds.
So you should use the 2-factor authentication to stay digitally secure. 2FA becomes an additional layer of security to your login. It uses a code or a PIN or an OTP sent to your email or phone. To log into your account, you should enter this after your password. Sounds secure, right?
So start using 2FA right now for its ease and security.
Awareness About Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are high in these times of increasing but weak digitization of data. They target people en masse for their attacks by sending multiple malicious emails. They manifest generally as adware. When people click it, they become a victim of the cyberattack. But awareness about them among people is poor.
According to Fiserv research, only 6% of Americans understand the consequences of cyberattacks. Only they effectively take steps to defend them digitally.
Worry not, as there is a way out of this. Learn more about them by extensive reading. Pull up your socks to take digitally healthy measures to protect your data.
For example, you know how phishing works, you can protect your data by double-checking the sites before giving such details.
Once you are aware of them, spread the right word.
Wrapping Up
These are the effective ways of securing computers in modern times. As complex as these steps are, simple steps can also make a big difference.
Use strong, and diverse alphanumeric passwords. Do not leave your devices unattended. Following digital hygiene practices always helps.
Computers come in different sizes and shapes and have become an identity of the person using them.
Securing them is not only your right but also is your responsibility. So it is worth spending time and money on it. Good luck.
