There’s an old saying about the best defense being a good offense. In today’s world of computer security, there’s a great deal of truth to this saying. It is no longer good enough for companies and consumers to simply protect against viruses and malware or merely set up firewalls. The best way to stay safe on your computer is by using the same techniques as those who design viruses and malware exploits.
The first step is to become very knowledgeable about how different types of malware work. Because the best offense is a good defense, it’s important to know what your enemy can do so you can keep your computer safe from those things.
Managed IT Services
An IT company’s purpose is to handle IT threats, and to take preventative action against hackers and issues. If a company offers IT services, then they should be able to deal with a variety of threats. This is a great way for companies that have not yet adopted strict security measures to provide protection without heavily investing in their own systems.
It’s also possible to take action on your own when it comes to the threats you face by carefully following security updates and patches, and by installing anti-virus programs on all of your machines. There are many different kinds of malware these days so it’s important to have protection against anything that could come your way including viruses and trojan horses.
Sandboxing
Sandboxing is an old method of programming that has found new life in the world of computer security. It divides parts of your machine into sandboxes, which are like small rooms. They don’t let anything out until it’s checked thoroughly. Checkpoints within the sandbox allow you to test malware without putting yourself or your system at risk.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can also help to keep you safe while you’re browsing the internet. Extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere are all great for helping to keep your data private. They work by encrypting your traffic and preventing third-party tracking of your activities.
Virtual Private Network
Another way to stay safe online is by using a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. This encrypted tunnel keeps your data safe from prying eyes, even if you’re using public Wi-Fi. It’s a great way to keep your activities hidden from your ISP and the government.
Update Your Software
Finally, be sure to keep your software up to date. Software companies regularly release patches and updates to their software in order to fix known security vulnerabilities. By failing to install these patches, you leave your computer open to attack.
It’s important to remember that the best way to stay safe online is by using a variety of methods. No single measure is 100% effective, but by using a variety of tools, you can create a strong defense for your computer.