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Simple Steps to Protect Your Computers

Hackers are always coming up with new ways of attacking your computer Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk

  • Turn off your Alexa, Echo and Google Home
    Hackers have found innovative ways to break into these devices and obtain recordings of your conversations so turn these devices off when discussing sensitive information.
  • Never say any password outloud
    The Alexa, Echo, Google Home and even your smartphones are always listening and hackers are trying new ways to get you to say your passwords. Amazon nor Google will ask you to say your password outloud.
  • Purchase and install dependable antivirus software
    Antivirus software needs to be supported by a company with the resources to fight against the endless stream of computer viruses. We recommend Norton Antivirus Deluxe 360 because it is inexpensive and provides a lot of other essential protections in the fight against cyberattacks such as VPNs, Dark Web Monitoring, and Firewalls. It even provides some protection against cybercriminals watching your Webcam along with protection against Malware, Ransomware and Spyware.
  • Turn your computer off every night before you go to sleep
    Many hackers and hacking programs are most active when you are asleep because they are from the other side of the world. There is no better way to prevent a hacker from getting into your computer than simply turning all off of your computer and devices.
  • Ensure that Microsoft and Apple updates are installed every day
    Microsoft and Apple are constantly putting out security patches to protect you against security problems. Microsoft and Apple have teams of highly qualified programmers and cybersecurity experts who are working to keep you safe.
  • Delete phishing emails
    Phishing emails are one of the most common forms of cyberattacks and are very difficult to detect systematically. The best defense against these emails is for you to learn to recognize them and delete them. For More Information Click Here


With more advanced steps, you do achieve a higher degree of cybersecurity but you can make it more difficult for you to operate so you need to balance the ease of operation with the risk of cyberattack.

  • Get a backup program with file versioning
    The two most recommended programs out there are Dropbox and Box. We recommend either of these programs as they will keep backups of your files for up to 6 months. If you do fall prey to ransomeware or your files are removed by a hacker, you can always get them back. These are quite easy to install on singular computers and they do have setups that can be installed on enterprises. They are fairly inexpensive.
  • Establish two factor authentication for email and other systems in your corporation
    Typically, this means that you enter your normal password, but you also enter code texted to your phone or emailed to a second email before you can enter your application. The downside to this is that if you do not have your phone or secondary email, you cannot log into your email account.
  • Use a VPN While On The Internet
    VPN's essentially make it harder for hackers to locate your computer and understand what you are communicating on the internet. There are several standalone VPN's you can buy such as Express VPN but we recommend that you get the VPN with Norton Antivirus 360 Deluxe
  • Update Your Router's Firmware
    Your router's manufacturer updates the router's firmware, and it is typically up to you to update your router by hand. Unfortunately, every router has a different way to update the router so you have to refer to your router's documentation on how to update your router's firmware.
  • Replace your router if it is older than five years old
    Major security updates come out constantly, but we recommend you replace your wireless router every five years to keep up.
    • Linksys EA6350 AC1200+ Dual-Band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router
      Linksys offers a good router and typically less than $100
    • Google Nest Wi-Fi Mesh Router System
      The Google Nest Wifi is easy to set up, and it comes with extenders which will make it easier for multi-story houses and larger houses. It also will act as a speaker for your Google Assistant which can give you more convenience, but it does mean that Google is always listening. It is a bit more costly at ($250)