Secure Your Home Computer

What is Home Computer Security?

Most of us have a computer of some sort at home. Securing your computer at home is no different from securing your computer at the office. The principles are generally similar whether you are working from home or at the office.

Why does it matter to me?

Scammers, hackers, and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information – and your money. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself, like keeping your computer software up-to-date and giving out your personal information only when you have a good reason.

So it is imperative that we secure our home computer to prevent outsiders from committing their cybercrimes.

Useful Tips

The recommendations below summarise the steps you should take to improve the security of your home computer. You need not perform all of these tips but the more tips you adopt the safer you are with your computer.

Be aware of phishing attempts
Select good and hard to guess password
Change all default IDs and passwords. Disable them if they are not in-use (for the advanced users only)
Ensure having a working and updated antivirus program
Ensure having a working and updated anti-spyware program
Uninstall software that is not required
Disable services that are not essential (for the advanced users only)
Scan files for malicious threats when sharing files via network or USB
Back up important files
Apply latest operating systems and application patches
Enable firewalls on all computers
Treat your personal information like CA$H. Encrypt them.
Check out companies to find out who you’re really dealing with
Give personal information over encrypted websites only
Be careful of what you download
Turn off your computer when not in use

Security does not end by just securing your home computers. The network that these computers connect to are just as important, especially if you own and operate your own network at home.