Are you welcoming a new computer into your life? It’s exciting! You have a fresh new system ready to help you take on the world. Plus, plenty of new memory to save your music and photos. And a whole lot of RAM to keep multitasking because bosses like you don’t need anything slowing you down.
But you need to pump the breaks before you get rolling. Even new computers are susceptible to hackers and viruses. Whether you bought the latest model off the shelf, got a good deal on a refurbished laptop, or invested in a custom-built machine – you need to make sure your security measures are in place.
While new computers usually come preloaded with antivirus software and firewalls, assuming they are properly working could be your downfall. When you think about the risks, you could be jeopardizing your savings, investments, online and physical safety, your business’ reputation, and the security of your employees. For business owners like you, the risk is not worth taking chances.
To ensure you are utilizing the best IT security measures, we’re sharing what you need to install to protect your new computer.
Protect Your New System By Installing These First
It might surprise you to learn how programs, downloads, and even emails can increase your vulnerability to hackers. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your defenses are in place before you get to work.
1. Activate Your Firewall As Your System’s First Line Of Defense
Nowadays, computers typically come with a firewall already built in. However, it’s not worth the risk to assume you have a working firewall.
Your computer’s firewall is its first line of defense against viruses, spyware, and all that the hackersphere has to offer. Without it, you’re a sitting duck during hunting season.
Having a firewall is important, and it is crucial to ensure it is activated and updated regularly. Through regularly scheduled updates, your firewall will be aware of the latest red flags.
This step alone can save you hours of downtime, costly repairs, and most importantly – your reputation with your clients.
If you’ve just unwrapped your new computer, give Brooks IT Services a call to ensure proper security measures are in place.
2. Install Antivirus & Anti-Malware To Ward Off The Hackersphere
In addition to your firewall, you also need to install antivirus and anti-malware software.
Viruses and malware can disrupt even the shiniest new computer while leaking your data to hackers around the globe. Like your firewall, just having the software isn’t enough. This software needs to update regularly to know what new threats may be coming after your system.
If you don’t take these precautions, you could be exposing your personal and business financials, proprietary information, as well as the security of your employees. Hackers use viruses and malware for many reasons. Whether to encrypt your data through ransomware, embarrass you, steal your money, share your trade secrets – it’s impossible to know their motives.
What’s not impossible is to lower your risk by not allowing your data to be vulnerable.
3. Maintain Privacy By Installing Anti-Spyware
Is there anything creepier than the idea of someone watching you through your computer’s camera?
If you’re not using (and updating) anti-spyware software, then you may not have privacy in your own home. Hackers use spyware to, as it suggests, spy on their victims.
The spying could be anything from watching you through your computer camera, listening to you through your Alexa or Google Home, or even watching every move of your cursor. The information hackers obtain through spyware could be used to blackmail you, embarrass you, wipe out your financials, or sell your login information.
With smartphones, smart cars, and smart houses, the technology that surrounds your life could be leaving you open to security threats. Imagine if a hacker gained access to your smart lock and was able to enter your home? The risks are real, and the outcomes could be dangerous.
Your best bet to maintain your privacy, on and off the computer, is to install anti-spyware software.
Do you need an overall technology threat assessment? Contact Brooks IT Services to ensure that your life, business, and livelihood are fully secure.
4. Make Sure Your Defenses Have Regularly Scheduled Updates
Your computer’s defense system is in its defensive software. These defences include your firewall, antivirus software, anti-spyware software, etc.
While you may have the latest, greatest, and most expensive software, it’s relatively useless without updates.
This type of software depends on regularly scheduled updates to keep up with the latest hacker methods. It’s important to realize that hackers are coming up with new innovations daily, if not hourly, to gain access to unsuspecting people’s systems.
The companies behind the defensive software stay busy tracking the latest hacker trends to beef up their security. And of course, these security patches are also transferred to users of their software.
Take advantage of the software you already own by scheduling regular updates today.
5. Avoid Installing Unnecessary Browser Add-Ons & Toolbars
While it’s important to make sure you install certain software and services, it is equally important to make sure that you are not installing unnecessary “garbage” software. Those toolbars are filled with hacker affiliate links. Your searches won’t be true. Instead, ads that pay per click to the hacker will bombard you.
Hackers commonly hide affiliate links in free antivirus software installation packages. We’ve all seen these pop-ups. And we know it can be confusing. After all, we’re telling you to update, update, update. But hackers know this. That’s why they commonly create fake antivirus software pop-ups to trick you into clicking.
To avoid falling victim to hackers with malicious intent, don’t click on pop-ups ever. Instead, access your software through your control panel. Then, you can easily update the software you know and recognize. However, if the pop-ups and garbage toolbars don’t go away, then it’s time to contact your IT expert.
BITS Can Prepare Your New Computer To Ensure Your Network Security
Small businesses in Houston know they can depend on Brooks IT Services for all their IT needs. From onboarding new employees to deciding on the best devices and software for your business, BITS can help.
No matter where you are purchasing your new technology, BITS can do a comprehensive check to ensure that it runs optimally and safely. After all, you’ve just invested in a new computer. The last thing you want is to invest in recovering from a hack because it wasn’t secure.
Don’t leave your network security up to chance. Reach out to Brooks IT Services today to find out how our long-lasting IT solutions can help your business thrive.