With the ever-looming threat of cyber-attacks, viruses, hackers, and data breaches, it can be challenging to try and keep your computer and data secure in 2024. In this article, we’ll explore some simple, easily actionable tips that will help ensure your online safety and safeguard your data.
Windows Updates
One of the simplest steps you can take to increase your cyber security is to make sure Windows automatically updates. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to exploit any potential security flaws in the operating system. However, Microsoft is thankfully extremely proactive in constantly keeping Windows secure through their regular updates.
On Windows 10 and 11, updates are already set as being enabled automatically from the moment you install the operating system. However, if you’re on the older OS, you can quickly check if your automatic update settings are correct.
On Windows Vista, 7 and 8, simply navigate to “Control Panel” in your start menu, select “System and Security,” and then head towards a section simply named “Windows Update.” There you can change the settings to ensure that Windows automatic updates are enabled, which is increasingly vital for your security on older operating systems that are more likely to have potential exploits.
Back-Up Your Data with Cloud Storage
An often forgotten but extremely important security procedure is to back up your important data from your PC. There are several ways to do this, depending on your own level of technical knowledge, budget, and ability.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep your data backed up is by utilizing cloud storage. For Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has a backup feature built into the operating system. This will allow you to keep your settings, files and important data backed up in the cloud, allowing you to re-download it to your Windows PC at your convenience if you run into any issues.
Microsoft offers 5GB free on your OneDrive account which will allow you to back up some of your most critical files. However, should you require more storage than that, they offer a range of plans to help you keep on top of your backups no matter your needs.
Choose a Great Antivirus
One of the strongest forms of defense possible for keeping your PC secure is the use of a well-reputed and frequently updated antivirus. An antivirus will act as a barrier between your PC and any malicious outside forces that attempt to compromise your system and your data.
There are seemingly unlimited choices out there when attempting to choose which antivirus to install, all of which will of course tout themselves as the best and most secure, irrespective of their actual place amongst such vast competition. Frankly, many antiviruses simply lack in several areas despite their boasts of strong security.
A more regularly updated and well-maintained antivirus will be able to block more recent threats better than the less developed and outdated options on the market. Therefore, you must consider wisely before making your choice in antivirus software.
Thankfully, there are already some great guides out there for this that compare all your options to help you select the best security software for PC. For choosing your antivirus software, it’s recommended to consider real-time protection capabilities, malware detection rates from independent lab tests, system performance impact, and additional features like firewalls and password managers. These elements can significantly influence the effectiveness and user experience of your chosen security solution.
Back Up Your Data Physically
For more tech-savvy consumers looking to protect their data, there is always the option of backing up manually to a physical hard drive. This method is often thought of as more expensive than cloud backups as you must purchase another hard drive to store your backups.
However, as the hard drive is a one-time purchase and you may need a storage plan for your cloud backup needs, it can often prove to be the cheapest option in the long run.
While the idea of backing up your own data to a physical hard drive can seem daunting and sound complicated if you haven’t done it before, the latest Windows operating systems make it surprisingly easy.
This is thanks to the backup and restore function that is readily available in the control panel section of the latest OS. You can find an entire range of guides that take you simply and easily through the process to create a full-image backup, offering you more flexibility than you would find with a cloud backup such as through OneDrive.
Conclusion
Protecting your PC in 2024 doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By focusing on four key areas – keeping Windows updated, utilizing cloud storage for backups, choosing a reputable antivirus, and considering physical backups – you can significantly enhance your computer’s security.
These simple yet effective strategies work together to create the optimal defense against various cyber threats, which can range from viruses to data breaches.