Tips Of The Computer Security

Computer security, also known as cybersecurity or IT security, is the protection of information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, the software, and to the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.  ~Wikipedia Definition

Cybersecurity field is of growing importance and concern due to the increasing reliance of computer systems and mobile devices in most societies, in health and by governments. Information seating on these computers is increasingly now considered to be an asset and most companies have now their CEOs and Directors playing a major role in giving direction in the custody and safety of company data and information. Here are a few cybersecurity tips to keep you online and safe;
You are an Asset and Potential Liability 

Underground world of malware has advanced so much that the user is the first surface attack. Drive-by malware is flourishing. Email attachments, websites visited must all be paid attention to as they are the potential sources of infection. On a typical week i have seen several company email attachments that a employee with no sensitization had clicked on, would have led to grave system compromise and infection.

Use Security Software That Updates Automatically

Criminals are constantly developing newer ways to bypass systems. Un-patched systems are vulnerable for an unauthorised entry into the system. Drive-by-attacks account for millions of compromises made on computers.

Treat Your Personal Information Like Cash

Your information on internet is hard cash to scammers. Depending on your browsing patterns scammers obtain details of your shopping ability, lifestyle and so on. This information is easily passed on to online retailers. Don't expose your personal information anyhow. Check what you need to offload and who it is you are doing it with.

Check Out Companies to Find Out Who You’re Really Dealing With
Sometimes when i receive a call and the operator seems to ask a lot of questions i promptly get on my laptop and check the concerned company. The search is usually rev-elating as it becomes a source for validating the person on the other end.

Give Personal Information Over Encrypted Websites Only

Determine whether the website traffic is encrypted as it moves from your computer especially when you are logged in to sensitive websites like banking, Paypal, eBay and the likes. Checking can easily be achieved by looking into the URL. If it begins with HTTPS the chances are you are secure to go.

Protect Your Passwords.

Avoid exposing your passwords. Create stronger passwords by;
1) Combining both caps, mixing symbols and a number
2) Create longer passwords. The longer it is the longer a brute force attack will take to succeed. Though minimum in most systems is 6 a 12 character password will be ideal.


e.g crazytechguys = cr@zyt3chguyS is simple to remember but tough to crack.

Back Up Your Files

This is a very important practise but often ignored. One of the systems that i look after was compromised by a malware changing the file extensions. After a few days of crackling i had to admit the failure to restore the affected excel files. I wished only i had backed up to a removable drive just for onece in the month