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7 Recommended PC Security Practices to Follow in 2016

Each and every day, your computer comes under significant attack from all corners.

In the “olden days”, you had to navigate to some pretty bad parts of the Internet to become infected with viruses or have your identity stolen. Today though, all you have to do is have an open Internet connection – that’s more than enough for cyber criminals to jump onto your computer and try and steal absolutely everything they can from the (most of the time without you ever recognizing the danger along the way).

Thankfully though, there are quite a few things you’re going to be able to do to dramatically improve your cyber security in 2016. Obviously, you’ll want to pay close attention to all of the inside information we are able to provide you below, but if you put these seven tips and tricks into play you should be just fine.

Shall we jump right in?

#1. Disable Java ASAP

The very first thing you’re going to want to do is disable Java ASAP.

Java has always been a major security risk (regardless whether or not it was updated recently), and because it has been so consistently exploited the developers behind this system element have completely abandoned the technology and moved on to better things.

That should tell you just how insecure Java actually is. Disable it just as soon as you’re able to, and if you have the opportunity to do so you’ll want to uninstall it from your machine – though this isn’t always as effortless as it probably should be.

#2. Improve your firewall just as soon as possible

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people using their computers today without any kind of firewall whatsoever.

This is one of the biggest mistakes you could ever make, and the kind of mistake that will inevitably compromise your system. You need to be 100% certain that your firewall is up and running, but you also need to make sure that you have taken the time to correctly configure this firewall as well.

This is your first line of defense against online attackers. If it isn’t in tip top condition, you’re going to be in big trouble.

#3. Download and implement antivirus software right now

Regardless of the operating system that you are currently running, you are going to be able to find at least a handful of different top-flight antivirus options that you’ll want to take advantage of.

Go out and download one of these tools immediately if you do not have antivirus already set up and running. Not only that, but you’re going to need to make sure that your antivirus is updated from time to time – giving you the kind of live protection you need.

#4. Install all necessary software updates

People have an aversion to installing software updates and operating system updates simply because they aren’t used to doing so, aren’t completely comfortable doing so, and aren’t quite sure of what they are doing in the first place.

You need to kick all of that concern to the curb ASAP.

Instead you’ll want to install all necessary software upgrades to patch holes, cure viruses, and prevent bugs – giving you the kind of computing and Internet experience you’ve always wanted.

#5. Be smart about what you download and where you browse

Honestly, a lot of the cyber security threats that we all face on a date the basis are because of our own mistakes and missteps.

You’ll want to stay to the “better neighborhoods” of the Internet and away from sites that could compromise your information. Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple or as straightforward as it seems to be all of the time. That’s because a lot of less than legitimate websites look like completely legitimate websites, and you may be tricked into visiting them when you really shouldn’t be.

Stick to the safe spaces on the web and you won’t have anything to worry about.

#6. Always change your passwords (and make sure they are unique)

Your passwords are going to keep you safe and secure on the Internet, but only if you are smart enough and savvy enough to create unique passwords for all of the things you do online.

Too terribly many people create “master passwords” and use the same password on everything and anything that they do online. Make sure you NEVER make that mistake.

Use unique passwords and change your passwords up from time to time and you won’t have anything to worry about!

#7. Stay as far away from “less than legitimate” software as possible

Finally, you’ll want to try and stay away from less than legitimate software whenever possible.

There can be a real temptation to download pirated software, pirated movies, and pirated music, but many of these files come in festive with all kinds of bugs and security flaws that will cause you a world of headache, hassle, and hurt. Stay away from the sources and you won’t have anything to worry about.

Written By

Niall is a life time nerd and health fanatic. You can check out his musings at his blog and follow him on Twitter

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