1. How can you tell if your computer is safe?

First the computer needs to have some antivirus software program. It is important to regularly scan the device and keep it updated. Keeping the computer secure helps to avoid malware and direct hacking attempts designed to steal personal information.

Some ways that can help reduce online risk when using a computer at home. It to use a firewall to reduce risks. Some brands have firewall already included and automatically active such as Windows. It is also important to keep all software up to date. This can be done by making sure to turn on automatic updates to keep applications up to date. Don’t open suspicious add-ons or click unusual links in messages. These can appear in online ads, email, posts, messages, tweets, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources. Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware. Use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, which can help block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running on your computer.

Make sure to stay away from pirated material and avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that do not come from trusted sources. Because they may contain malware. It is important to make sure not to use USBs or other external devices unless you own them. In order to avoid infection by malware and viruses, ensure that all external devices that belong to you or come from a reliable source. Privacy on the internet depends on the ability to control both the amount of personal information that provided and who has access to that information.

When reading emails, uses social media, or browse the web, be careful of scams that try to steal your personal information (such as identity theft), your money, or both. Many of these scams are known as “phishing scams” because they “fish” for your information. One important step toward greater workplace security is to protect your computer against malware.