How can you tell if your computer is safe?

Computer safety can be complicated and hard to figure out. Due to malicious behavior including phishing scams, scam pop ups, and spyware the internet can be a scary place. However, your devices can be safe as long as you remain aware of these risks and proactively prepare for an attack. To begin securing your device you can start by checking your device settings. While checking your settings, search account passwords to check to see if your passwords are strong or have been disabled. Furthermore, you can check the cookies and scans saved on the device to clear out spywares. Another step to secure a computer is to test the firewalls (Windows and Mac both have them). Firewalls can protect computers from hackers when searching for victims, so testing the firewalls is a great way to keep a computer safe. The next step to securing a computer is permanently deleting files that you do not trust, and you can do a scan to identify vulnerable files. (https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/5-ways-to-test-your-computers-security-2/9821/)

Describe three ways that computers have made the world safer and less safe.

Way 1- When properly protected data is more secure then ever seen before. Encryption exists to protect information and verify authorized individuals. Making data information much safer than physical documents.

Way 2- Stolen devices can be tracked and shut down remotely, therefore information is safer from common thieves. Find my phone is now wide spread so many people can find lost or stolen items.

Way 3- Passwords are a thing of the past, because finger prints and facial recognition verify identity way better. This makes the information on devices more secure and more protected. Finger prints are very hard to replicate, so only the authorized individuals have ability to access their information.

(Less safe) Way 1- Information can become hacked, hidden, or stolen. Hackers have started an art form and have found multiple ways including phishing scams, spyware, and ransomware to further their malicious intent.

Way 2- Weak passwords can make accounts easy to break into.

Way 3- Many people do not know how to protect their information so their data is vulnerable.