Find out how to break your PC bad habits

Image courtesy of [Ambro] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

There are many risks on the internet for those using “free software”, online games, and downloadable movies or music.  Cybercriminals are hacking into licensed software, games, and pirated films through your PC.

Not to fear, there are small changes we can make  to keep ourselves safer when using the web.  Here are some steps to take to avoid being a victim of hackers and identity theft.

Use a free VPN service to protect your Wi-Fi connections
By using a free VPN service when connecting to Wi-Fi access, you can secure your connection from lurking snoops.  SecurityKISS VPN is a easy service to use with free registration.

Disable images in your e-mail
By disabling images coming through your e-mail, you will prevent the HTML beacons used by cybercriminals to be activated.  If images are not disabled, your location via the IP address can not be read that discloses your general location.

Don’t promote yourself to “admin”
If your login doesn’t have “Administrator” privileges, it will reduce the likelihood of self-installing malware.  Create a multi-user account for everyday use instead.

Keep your browser clean
By not personalizing your browser, you can keep cybercrinimals from coming through.  Don’t store passwords in your browser or download dubious plug-ins.  Several plug-ins have been detected as being weak in security and a target for cybercriminals.

Pay attention to the pop-up boxes
The little warning pop ups are important to pay attention to.  Be sure to update your computer manually instead of clicking on the link advised.  The source code for Adobe Acrobat’s document software has recently been stolen.  So make sure you have a good antivirus running software.

Watch your friends
Don’t befriend people you don’t know on Facebook.  Also, keep your settings to Friends only, NOT Friends of Friends because then you are making yourself susceptible to intrusion.

Create “unbreakable” passwords
Never use email addresses or simple passwords for your accounts.  Any password can and will be decrypted.  Cybercriminals are hacking internet giants such as Adobe, make sure your passwords are complicated with variation of upper case, lower case, punctuation, symbols, and numerals.  Click here for help on creating a strong password that’s easy for you to remember.

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Did you know? Hyphenet offers virus removal services to help you get your PC back to normal. Give us a call at (619) 325-0990. 

References:

Five bad PC habits many of us STILL have – and how to stop today – We Live Security
http://www.welivesecurity.com/2013/10/11/five-bad-pc-habits-many-of-us-still-have-and-how-to-stop-today/
Oct. 11, 2013

How to secure your PC in 10 easy steps – C|Net
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57324404-285/how-to-secure-your-pc-in-10-easy-steps/