Top 6 tips to protect your devices during the Corona Virus

The world is amid a global pandemic. For the foreseeable future, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed our lives.

Many people are forced to stay at home, whether it is for quarantine reasons, or just to remain safe. Working from home is currently the ‘new normal,’ and connecting via online platforms is the only form of communication.

Right now, people are relying on the internet to do their banking, grocery shopping, have meals delivered, attend courses, conduct business meetings, and keep in touch with their family and friends.

Why Is it Even More Important Now to Protect Our Devices?

Conducting business online or doing any of the other tasks listed above usually means accessing some form of a secure website. People are also providing all sorts of personal and confidential information, such as:

• Credit card numbers
• Identifying details like date of birth
• Residential information
• Bank account details
• Location

This current period is a haven for hackers, with more people at home, possibly on unsecured networks, it is open season for them to get hold of this information. Stay-at-home workers who may not understand internet security are the ones most easily targeted.

Here are 6 tips for protecting this vital information:

1.Antivirus Software

It is a given these days that you must have antivirus software installed on your computers. It’s best to choose from one of the market leaders like TotalAV or Norton. Most have an annual fee, which is totally worth paying for the level of protection.

At times like this- it is even more important to choose the best antivirus software, that offers you the perfect protection that will keep all your devices safe and secure.

Ensure that you continuously accept the updates; it’s advisable to keep this as an automatic feature. As new viruses come out, you want your software to be ready to protect you from them.

2.VPN

If you are working from home, or be fortunate enough to be able to visit coffee shops, your computer is most likely on an unsecured network. These are the first places hackers will attack. 

Install a VPN and keep it switched on at all times. Most antivirus software provides a VPN as part of the bundle. This will secure your system for an extra level of protection.

3.Phishing Emails

Hackers have no shame. They are using the Coronavirus to generate emails advising you that your data has been compromised and to share password details. No organizations will ever ask you for a password.  

Alternatively, some emails could look like they are from your employer or financial institutions asking you to click on a link to access their updated Coronavirus policy. Be 100% sure before you click on any links.

These kinds of communications are called phishing emails, and you should delete them immediately if you receive them. If in doubt, you should also forward them to your IT department to confirm they are legitimate or not.

4.Password Manager

If you’re still using the same password for all your log-ins, and it’s the name of a pet or a date of birth, you are opening yourself up to be easily hacked.

A password manager will create unique, random, secure log-in credentials for every site. You’ll only need to remember one master password to access it. 

Outstanding password managers will also reset your passwords randomly, to ensure additional protection.

5.Identity Protection

Be extra careful who you provide your personal information to. Right now, many people working from home are installing desktop applications, signing into websites, and logging into databases. 

Most websites will ask for various kinds of personal information. Do they really need your date of birth and residential address? If you believe that you’re being asked to provide confidential details that you feel aren’t necessary, you’re best off not continuing to work with this site.

6.Firewall Protection

Most antivirus software now comes packaged with built-in firewalls. A firewall is an extra step a hacker has to break before accessing your data. Keep this switched on at all times, it’s a deterrent that could possibly save you from having your personal information stolen.

Conclusion

Nobody knows when the world can return to normal. It could be months before people can go about their daily lives as they did before.

Until then, everyone needs to be extra vigilant with their personal online information. Provided you have top quality antivirus software installed and keep it updated, you’re already a step ahead. Switch on any firewalls and VPNs you have available for added protection.

In order to get better knowledge about the different AntiVirus apps and check the different features they have to offer, you can check out TotalAV review, Norton Security review, or check all offered reviews.

Be ultra-careful of clicking on any links or providing information that you feel you don’t need to. Get savvy by using a password manager to create unique, unhackable, log in details.

Follow those tips, and you’ll feel more confident that your data is safe.

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