10 Computer Security Measures

Did you know that over 70% of businesses have suffered some cyber security problem? Keep reading to prevent the same thing from happening to you (or from happening again). This post will teach you about the ten most effective computer security measures!

Hiring computer security tools wouldn’t hurt to comply with these instructions. They will make your life easier.

Information security, computer security, and cybersecurity

Before delving into the dangers and types of attacks that exist on the network, it is worth reviewing what we mean when we talk about the following terms:

• Information security is linked to physical information (for example, paper) and digital information (cybersecurity). 
• Computer security for companies: it is focused on defending hardware, software, information, and people. 
• Cybersecurity: protects digital information in interconnected systems.

That is, we find multiple concepts within this area of ​​security.

Types of computer security

The computer security classes that exist are:

• Hardware security. It serves to guard physical devices. 
• Software security. Protects the software or program against cyber attacks.
• Network security. Defends data and information on the internet. 

Knowing these three aspects makes it easier to understand computer security.

Computer security issues

We distinguish at least three types of computer maintenance incidents :

• By accident:  carried out by workers without bad intention, by mistake. 
• Intentional by employees or insiders:  on this occasion, there is a desire to violate the security mechanisms. It can occur voluntarily or under the influence of hackers. 
• Caused by cybercriminals or hackers, these are common computer problems that occur through malicious code or malware. 

The little ones are usually victims of these incidents.

For this reason, we have listed different computer security tips for children at Sale Systems.

Computer security measures: 10 examples you can follow

The drawbacks above can destroy the strategic plans of small and large companies, sending a lot of effort, time, and work to obtain results to the trash. To deal with such uncertainty, it is advisable to follow these ten computer security measures :

Limit the availability of information.

First of all, it is a good idea to protect your information by restricting its access. One of the most typical ways to do this is to encrypt your data. Thus, anyone who wants to have private information will require a password. If you have a company, then you should limit your staff’s access to confidential data. 

Secure and strong passwords

In relation to the previous measure, your passwords must be secure. You don’t use any of the classic “1234” or the “abcd” sequence or register birthdays or names that are easy to guess. The less staff, the better. Always opt for random combinations.

The trick is to establish passwords of -at least- 8 characters; these must contain the following:

• Capital letters.
• Lower case.
• Numbers.
• Special signs. 

Also, change them between devices (or accounts) and periodically.

Protect email

Email and social networks have become a source of sensitive information. Therefore, it also has to be protected. You have to remember all the data that can be concentrated in the email. In addition, you must also be aware of the existence of traps on the network. An example is phishing, which seeks to extract information from bank cards. 

One of the ten computer security measures is to use:

• Anti-spam filters.
• Message encryption systems. 

In this way, you guarantee the defense and privacy of the information saved in your email. Attacks against emails are a fairly recurring fraud.

Make secure backups and deletes.

Making regular backup copies is another basic recommendation to protect your database. With online backup, you will not lose information that may affect your activity or personal content.

However, knowing how to restore said data or safely delete data that is no longer useful is also relevant. 

Access websites and secure purchases

A very common mistake among users is accessing websites that need to display the HTTP protocol within their URL. If the link has that final “s,” the site follows security standards.

Apart from checking the URL, it is also good to check the website’s online payment methods. There are more and more online stores that offer multiple verification processes. Thanks to this, transactions are more secure.

Cloud, network, and local storage

Although this recommendation focuses more on the business world, it is also quite useful in the private sphere. The cloud is a virtual storage space that allows you to store all kinds of information. However, it must be defended from any targeted attack when it is on the network. 

Another information storage system that you can use is local storage (with physical devices) and network storage (saves data on an internal network that can be accessed through certain permissions).

Hire comprehensive security services and keep updates up to date.

Although it may be surprising, some users still still need to install an antivirus on their computing devices. Whether you have a business or are an individual, you should get comprehensive security software:

• Antivirus.
• Anti spy.
• Firewall.
• Etc.

In this way, you can protect your data against any possible attack. 

Likewise, all programs and operating systems installed on the computer should be updated. Always try to have the latest version. 

Check Wi-Fi internet connections and navigations. 

From Sale Systems, we recommend:

• Activate private modes in browsers.
• Review and delete cookies.

This way, you will not leave a trace of your activity on the web pages you visit. Furthermore, if you want to preserve your internet security, we advise against connecting to public Wi-Fi lines. While it seems like a beneficial service, it is a double-edged sword. All open or shared Wi-Fi networks can lead to personal identification. Avoid using them without an encryption mechanism or virtual private networks (VPN).

Find out in another post if you need more information, what an IP address is, and what it is for.

Protect your smartphone

In recent years, mobile phones have become another extension of us. Their current boom is such that you can now have your bank account linked, sessions started to buy online, etc. 

As with computers, we must defend all possible access to the smartphone through patterns or passwords. It is also advisable to make backup copies periodically to avoid losing data, personal photos and videos, and private conversations, among other content.

Closing sessions and turning off the internet

The last of the ten computer security security measures you should practice during your Internet activity is to log out and turn off the network when you are no longer using it. By disconnecting it, you will minimize the risk of suffering a computer attack. You can also use airplane mode as an alternative. 

When discussing access in public spaces, never accept the “remember password” message when registering. This option takes care of saving your password so anyone can access it even if they don’t know it.

What can happen if I do not apply the ten computer security measures?

You expose yourself to a computer attack if you do not carry out these virtual security measures. This could eliminate or obtain important data involving your workers, clients, or suppliers, damaging the business’s image, losing valuable information, or even causing total company paralysis. 

It is worth noting that today, more than 40 different types of cyber-attacks are classified. Three are carried out massively within these: phishing, malware, and ransomware. 

Cybercriminals will always look for ways to use new techniques to attack companies. Consequently, it is essential to keep your data and information safe. And this can only be achieved by implementing the computer security measures we have indicated.

Conclusions on the ten computer security measures 

These ten computer security measures do not impede taking your infrastructures to the cloud but rather a way to ensure the availability and protection of the data you manage. 

Identify and fix vulnerabilities in your systems before, during, and after applying these security tips.

Also Read : Security And Smart Working: How To Make a Digital Workplace Safe