Consumers are deluged with an array of computer security terminology, coming from a variety of channels. Moreover, some of the questions facing modern computer users are which antivirus brands are the best, which programs or apps are secure, and which websites are safe.
To complicate the matter, websites often post conflicting information on similar topics that can hinder resolutions. A key element of securing computer systems, whether a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone, does not solely lie in a technical understanding.
For example, many popular antivirus programs work well but they can only do so much if installing software from malicious websites. In some cases, antivirus programs can catch malicious software while being installed, but since antivirus software isn’t perfect, it can’t catch everything. Therefore, the element of common sense must come into effect.
Using Common Sense
If suspicious of foul play when visiting a website, you should not download from or use it. Cybercriminals often set up websites and offer free software that is appealing. When the software is installed, malicious software gets installed unknowingly. Let antivirus software work at the back end of the security plan — let common sense work at the front end.
Downloading virus-tainted programs is not the only danger of visiting unknown or distrusted websites. Sometimes computers have unpatched security vulnerabilities, and merely visiting a compromised site will cause the automated infection of the device visiting the site. This is what is known as a drive-by attack.
It’s worth mentioning that irresponsible handling of emails or any type of unsolicited message is a recipe for cybercrime. Computer users have been hit time after time with phishing — a type of attack tricking e-mail users into believing the sender of an e-mail is a legitimate entity.
When you receive an e-mail from a fraudulent entity, the contents can vary from verbal requests for personal information to attached computer viruses. Email vendors catch many incoming phishing attempts and redirect them to a spam folder, which is why the handling of the folder’s contents should be done with caution. In general, handle any unsolicited electronic messaging with skepticism.
Common sense also means not being complacent. If a home is not robbed for years, it doesn’t disqualify it from being robbed in the future. Computer users often start off their security plan well but become lazy — then they become complacent after nothing bad has happened for a while.
Conclusion
Aside from using common sense, the only other thing people can do is stay up to date on current events. Use trusted sources of information. One erroneous article can be reworded many times, and most people won’t know the difference.
Don’t forget to keep computer software updated. Computer vendors frequently release security updates and patches for discovered vulnerabilities. If they are not installed, the risk of being a cybercrime victim is generally higher.