The Outcome of Not Preparing for a Cyber Attack Could be Catastrophic

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common, and no individual computer or company-wide network is completely safe. Even powerhouse companies such as Microsoft, eBay and PayPal have recently fallen victim to cyber attacks. If you're pretty lax when it comes to your online habits, now's the time to make some changes. Here are some things you can do to make your computer system less vulnerable to malicious hackers.

Secure Your System

It's essential to secure your computer system by installing protection for your hardware and software. Most operating systems come with some form of system security, but you can also install your own intrusion detection software that offers protection against a wider variety of threats. Programs like AVG, Avast and Bitdefender continuously monitor your network in order to detect any unusual or malicious activity, and they quickly block or eradicate threats to protect your computer from cyber attacks.

Read Permission Information Before Installs

It's very important to closely read permission information before all installs. One of the most common ways malicious hackers gain access to personal information is through installs, so make sure the information you download on your system comes from a legitimate, trusted source. You must be extra cautious when downloading apps, as many of them require you to give them permission to access a lengthy list of your personal data. Avoid the common habit of casually downloading free apps, and make sure you always know what information you're allowing others to access.

Create Strong Passwords

One of the easiest ways cyber attackers can gain access to your personal information is through your password. Is your birthday, mother's maiden name or first child's name as the password to most of your devices? If so, change it. Using passwords that are easy for others to guess makes your personal information extremely susceptible to malicious hackers. Make sure the passwords you use are unique and difficult for others to figure out. Never share your password with anyone, and use a different password for all of your devices and online accounts.

Update Your Computer Regularly

Keeping your computer updated is one of the simplest strategies for protecting your computer from a cyber attack. Virtually all computer protection software programs notify you when it's time for an update. These pop-up reminders might be annoying, but ignoring them can leave your system exposed to the latest computer threats. Stay on top of all of your software updates to ensure you never leave any cracks in your computer defense system.

There's no way to guarantee a hacker won't break into your personal computer or company network, but following these suggestions can greatly decrease your chance of experiencing a cyber attack. The results of a cyber attack can be catastrophic, as your privacy, data and overall system security are at stake. Therefore, it's essential to do everything in your power to minimize your chance of becoming a victim.

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