It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of steps you can take to keep you and your computer safe and running smoothly. With the increasing number of cybercriminals, it may seem like you are fighting a losing battle. While it's impossible to be 100% effective all the time, creating some routines in your computer maintenance can help you feel more confident and calm.
That's why I want to highlight Joe from Hainesport, New Jersey, who has a question about routine steps you could take to stay safe and sane: “I don't like feeling like there's 'clutter' or malware lurking on my computer simply because I don't have the knowledge to keep it tidy. I pay for antivirus software and have… a free VPN, but I'm still not sure I'm doing everything I need to. [good] maintenance. Any comments on that statement?”
Joe, I understand your concerns. It is important to keep your computer clean and safe. We are happy to know that you are using a antivirus program and vpnMy mission is to help you become resilient to today's privacy and security threats. Below are some additional tips to help you improve your computer's security and keep it running smoothly.
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A woman frustrated by her computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to improve the security of your computer
Here are five steps to help you improve your computer security:
1) Update your antivirus software regularly
it's great install antivirus software on your computer, but it is equally important to update it regularly because it ensures that the software can protect your computer against the latest threats. Antivirus updates contain the latest files needed to combat new viruses and protect your computer. These updates typically include the latest list and behavior of known viruses, improvements to the scanning engine, and patches for security vulnerabilities in operating systems. Without these updates, your computer would be at risk of contracting new viruses that outdated antivirus software would not recognize or defend against. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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2) Scan your computer for malware regularly
There's no point installing your antivirus if you don't actively scan your computer regularly. Some antivirus software programs can be set to run automatically on a schedule. If you don't remember to scan regularly, definitely set up a schedule if your program has that option. If any threats are found while scanning, quarantine or delete them.
Illustration focused on the security of your devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3) Update your operating system and applications
If you keep your operating system software, as well as the applications that use regularly updated, you are less likely to be exposed to certain vulnerabilities. Even if you've set your devices to update automatically, it's worth forcing a manual update when a security flaw has been fixed.
4) Delete unnecessary applications
Older, unused applications take up space on your drive and can pose security threats, especially those that can no longer be updated to protect against new vulnerabilities. Eliminate Applications from your phone or tablet that you haven't used in a while.
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5) Use a high-quality VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) improves your digital security by encrypting your Internet connection and hiding your IP address. This makes it much more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept your data or track your online activities. However, it is important to keep in mind the limitations of free VPN services. Here are six reasons why you might want to avoid using a free VPN:
Limited data and speed: Free VPNs often have data caps and slower speeds, making your browsing experience difficult.
Security risks: Some free VPNs may not use strong encryption, leaving your data vulnerable.
Privacy Concerns: Free VPNs may collect and sell your browsing data to third parties.
Advertising intrusions: To support their service, free VPNs may display intrusive ads, which can be annoying and potentially dangerous.
Limited server options: You may have fewer servers to choose from, which can affect the reliability and speed of your connection.
Customer Support: Free VPNs typically offer limited, if any, customer support.
While no system can guarantee complete invulnerability, these practices can substantially reduce the risk of cyber threats. Always use caution when handling sensitive information on the Internet. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for private web browsing on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
A woman using a VPN on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to 'organize' your computer
Here are four steps to help you tidy up your computer and improve its performance.
1) Delete old apps
Free up space on your disk and help you find the applications you use most often by searching and remove old apps that you no longer use.
2) Delete unnecessary system files
Deleting unnecessary system files on your PC and Mac is important for several reasons:
- Free disk space: Unnecessary files take up valuable storage space that could be used for other applications or data.
- Improve system performance: Too many unused files can slow down your computer's performance by consuming resources and making searching for files more time-consuming.
- Improve system security: Some of these files could potentially be exploited by malicious software. Removing them reduces this risk.
- Maintain system hygiene: Periodically cleaning out unnecessary files helps keep your system organized and makes it easier to manage.
Further:
3) Organize your files
Maintain your files and folders organized It can make it easier to find what you need and make your computer feel less cluttered. You can also group files within folders by type, which can help you sort out what you need to keep or delete.
4) Clean your inbox periodically
A cluttered inbox can make it difficult to find important emails. Periodically delete or archive emails you no longer need. Create filters or point out specific individuals or companies as a priority so that they don't get lost in the shuffle, accidentally deleted, or redirected to your spam or junk folder.
Update antivirus software regularly (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Have powerful antivirus software
Make sure you have powerful antivirus software installed on all your devices to protect your private information. With strong antivirus protection, you can prevent malware from sneaking in through malicious links, keeping your personal data safe. Plus, it will alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your digital life safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Kurt's Key Takeaways
Regularly employing the security and order strategies listed above not only keeps your computer safer, but also keeps it running more smoothly and efficiently. While no process is foolproof, using these strategies regularly can give you greater peace of mind and ease of use. If you are not sure how to implement any of the strategies, you can consult the more detailed articles or seek professional help. There's a reason these professionals exist, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Do you feel like you're doing enough to keep your computer safe and running well? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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