Member Article

10 Top Computer Safety Tips for Businesses

How safe do you think you (or your data) are when using your computer? Outlined below is a list of tips to help keep your computer secure and safe. These tips can also be used as a checklist to ensure optimal computer security.

1. Enable automatic operating system and software updates

Operating system upgrades (commonly known as security patches) help fix software vulnerabilities that hackers and other malicious people could manipulate to gain access to your computer. It would, therefore, be best for you to allow system and software updates.

2. Use protective software

Have a protective software installed to help protect your computer from viruses and other intrusions. Sophos is a good example of a protective software that can be installed on Linux, Mac, and Windows systems to help update virus definitions as well as scan your files for infection.

3. Use strong passwords

Ensure each of your password contains letters, special characters, and numbers. While the password needs to be an easy one to remember, it will be much harder for any manipulation software or hacker to crack. You should also consider using a different password for each account, and change them regularly for improved security.

4. Backup

Backing up everything in your machine can protect you from data loss (due to accidents or malicious activity). It would be advisable to back up your data every day and ensure the files can be retrieved when/if needed. CrashPlan is an excellent solution for all your backup needs.

5. Secure your machine (Controlled Access)

Never leave your computer unattended especially if logged on. Be extra careful when using the machine in public areas, and remember to lock screen when stepping out, even for a few minutes.

6. Consider email and internet safety

Unsolicited emails with attachments, forms, and links should be handled with extra care, or ignored altogether. If an email seems fishy, then trust your gut and delete it immediately. You also need to be careful while using the internet, especially when downloading stuff from shareware or freeware sites.

7. Use encrypted connections

Using an unencrypted internet connection makes your computer and data vulnerable. Ensuring your connections are secure is the first step to taking control over what you do only. Use remote connectivity or a VPN if working offsite.

8. Safeguard sensitive data

This is especially important when repurposing or recycling your personal computer. Drives or folders containing sensitive data should not only be encrypted but also removed securely from your primary hard drive. Your operating system already has inbuilt data encryption tools that can help protect your data, hence can be used to reduce identity theft.

9. Use firewalls

Windows and Mac computers have desktop firewalls for a reason. Activating these firewalls gives your computer an added layer of security – take advantage of these little things. Perhaps if you’re good enough at this and with the right qualifications you could look for recruitment from a company such as Capita IT resourcing.

10. Stay Informed

UNIX, Mac, Windows, and Linux systems release electronic newsletters to keep their users updated on latest developments and security tips. Take some time to read through these to stay informed on the latest developments – you never know when you will need it.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cormac Reynolds .