Here Are Quick Cybersecurity Checks to Keep Your Devices Safe

We must be vigilant in using our computers and devices. After all, companies may be tracking our every move through apps. In some cases, hackers can also get into your system without knowing. But it doesn’t have to happen. What steps should you take when using your computers? Here are simple cybersecurity checks to do.

Lock Your Computer

When you’re working in the office or somewhere else, you want to make sure that before you leave the desk or table, you lock the computer. You may trust coworkers not to touch your computer, but if you’re in a cafe or another public place, don’t leave the computer open for anyone to use.

You should practice locking your computer anytime you’re not at home. This will prevent onlookers or other shady characters from accessing any private information that you don’t want to get out.

But you don’t want to lock your computer only. Make sure that it’s also password protected. This way, you don’t have to worry about people trying to hack your computer while you’re away.

Monitor Ongoing Computer Systems

Your computer might be running something in the background, and you might not know it. This may happen when you might have downloaded files or browsed sites. But you don’t have to get alarmed when this happens. A simple check on your Task Manager (ctrl+shift+Esc) can do the trick.

If you’re not a techie, it’s okay. Google is your friend. You can check if a certain process should not be running in the first place. Mostly, the programs running on your Windows system would be your antivirus software, Microsoft apps like Photos or Movies, and Settings. Of course, there are tons more running in the background related to the make and model of your laptop too.

What about those using Mac?

Open your Activity Monitor (Command + Spacebar) to do the trick. There, you’ll see apps and processes that are running. 

Check Browser Extensions

Some apps have made it easier for us to use them without going to their site. Browser extensions can ease a user’s experience. However, some browser extensions may not be safe to use or aren’t verified by Google or Safari/Apple. Regularly check your browser’s extensions and see if there’s anything you might not have downloaded. You can also search for a certain extension to see if it’s safe to use.

Aside from these easy fixes and cybersecurity checks, what else should you do to keep your PC or Mac safe?

Use an Antivirus Software

Windows users know that Windows is vulnerable to any viruses. Although Windows has a built-in antivirus, you can always purchase antivirus software applications like Avast or Kaspersky. They will alert you if a new virus or suspicious files or processes suddenly make their way to your computer.

Change Passwords Often

To avoid forgetting passwords or having to go through retrieving your old password, one of the best cybersecurity checks to do is to change passwords often.

Make sure it has more than eight characters, lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. When do you change your password? Experts say every few months.

Make Browsing Safer Using Blockers

It’s not surprising that social media sites and other websites collect your data so they can target you with ads. But if you hate pesky ads appearing just because you visited a site once, you can use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin. This will stop trackers from collecting your data. An alternative to that extension is by downloading a non-Chrome browser like Brave. They have built-in blockers.