5 Steps To Ensure Your Computer Security

(This guide is Part 3 of seven in our Cybersecurity Safety Content Basics Special.)

Quick Tips: Five steps to securing your PC

1) Use biometrics to log in

If you are using a recently purchased Windows laptop or desktop with a pre-installed webcam, consider logging in with Windows Hello. This uses either fingerprint recognition using a fingerprint sensor, or facial recognition via your webcam, to log you in. If your computer supports this feature and it works well for you, enabling it is a good step to take, especially if you don’t like logging in with a strong password which could be troublesome to memorise without falling into weak password management routines as time goes by.



(But apart from logging in to your device, many other services still rely on standard passwords. Our next article will focus on how to create better passwords and passphrases.)

 

2) Turn on automatic updates to keep all software up to date

Make sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep your applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software as well, especially internet browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use. Having up-to-date software lowers your exposure risk.

 

3) Enable a firewall and antivirus

Antivirus software isn’t a completely foolproof option, but it can definitely help protect against malware, ransomware, and Trojan attacks. A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer or network and the Internet. It effectively closes the computer ports that prevent communication with your device. This protects your computer by stopping threats from entering the system and spreading between devices. It can also help prevent your data from leaving your computer. We cover more on this topic below.

 

4) Be web safe; don’t open suspicious attachments or click on unusual links

Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware. Malicious links can appear in emails, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources.

 

5) Backup your files

At the very least, you should back up your files on an external storage drive - and to do this periodically to avoid being left with an old backup should something unforeseen take place. To be even safer, consider using a cloud backup service as a third, off-site backup of your files. Doing so protects your computer and its storage drive against any mechanical/electrical failures. It also ensures that you have multiple copies of the files you care about in case viruses, malware, or ransomware infections result in data loss.

Shouldn’t my service provider protect me?

The PC or laptop has become a device used for work and entertainment. Very often our home notebooks are used by our children for homework assignments, our spouses for watching Korean dramas, and ourselves when we feel the need to play Baldur's Gate 3. 

But despite its importance, how often do we really think about its security?

While some telcos provide some help in protecting your PC like Singtel's Broadband Protect, most of the time, keeping your PC or laptop safe falls to you. In previous primers, we spoke about the need to protect your home network and your connected devices. Given how important a device your home PC or laptop is, its safety and protection can't be stressed enough. 

Is antivirus enough?

For many years, having antivirus installed on your PC was all that was needed to keep you safe from cyberattackers. And where Macs used to be the “safe” alternative is unfortunately no longer true. While Windows isn’t as unsafe as it used to be, its widespread prevalence in laptop and desktop computers means that it's a very popular target.

But it isn’t without its protections. Microsoft Defender, built within the Windows operating system, is a cross-device app that helps individuals and families stay safer online. Defender provides a simplified security dashboard, antivirus protection, anti-phishing protection, identity theft monitoring, credit monitoring, and VPN to deal with viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other kinds of malware.

This then raises the question. Is using antivirus only enough?

According to Microsoft, antivirus software will protect your computer system and network against all types of malware. Whether it’s a direct attack with a worm or Trojan or a phishing attempt, your antivirus has safety measures in place that are meant to protect you from malicious attacks. Deep within Microsoft's Redmond campus in the state of Washington, USA, is where the company houses its sophisticated Microsoft Security Response Center (which we've been privy to have seen it first-hand in action), so the seemingly 'simple' Microsoft Defender software is not without a full-fledged team who're always working and improving end-user security. But remember that it’s only effective if you keep it up to date.

But as the old adage says,  “Don’t put all of your eggs into one basket”. This means putting all your effort or resources into one thing, and if it fails, you have no alternatives left. So while Microsoft Defender may be able to keep you safe on its own, it works best in conjunction with other security tools. Some security experts say that while Microsoft Defender is pretty good at most things, there are things that it could do better because blocking malware and viruses should be one part of your overall threat protection.

Experts recommend having a “total security solution”. Looking at such solutions from Kaspersky, McAfee, and Norton, these generally include:

• VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the biggest benefits of using third-party antivirus protection. When you connect to public Wi-Fi, such as in a coffee shop, it’s possible for a hacker to see your data. A VPN encrypts your data to protect it from prying eyes. It also conceals your device’s IP address and geolocation. This could be handy for those of you who want to watch something on Netflix in the United States (not that we are encouraging you to do so).
  
   
• Identity Protection: This refers to a solution that safeguards digital identities and their online information. It ensures that users are who they say they are and that they are doing what they are authorised to do. This includes ensuring that only authorised users have access to sensitive information, and that data is not compromised by malicious actors.
  
   
• Performance Optimisation: There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work on a computer that loads pages slowly or keeps freezing. To help speed up your online activities, a performance optimiser looks for ways to give more bandwidth while saving on battery power. The software also disposes of temporary files and cookies to free disk space.
  
   
• Password manager: Use a password manager to keep your credentials safe. One good way to keep your data secure is to use strong passwords that are unique for each website. A password manager generates complex passwords, stores them, and even lets you access shared passwords on your mobile devices.
  
   

While this article is just a primer for cybersecurity safety, it belongs to a 7-part series of articles for consumers to take easy, actionable steps to better prepare against online security threats and what you can do to stay safe. Stay tuned as we roll out more stories over the next few days.

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