Let’s Celebrate Computer Security Day with these Safe Computing Tips
If you got a computer, a laptop or a smartphone, then 30th November is a very important day for you and your gadgets. Know why from this post.
Computer Security Day is officially observed every year, on the 30th of November. It was incepted in the year 1988, with an aim to help people understand the importance of securing their computer and its information. And if you fetch the timeline; from 1988 to 2013, computer technology and Internet have had a Mammoth (I am using a capital ‘M’ here) leap. But that leap has been followed by a huge jump in malware threats too. So, it is only logical that on Computer Security Day we revisit our computer security checklist and see that our digital assets are secured, healthy, and wise.
Here are some quick tips you can follow to celebrate Computer Security Day in the right spirit:
1. You can start by sticking Computer Security Day posters in your workplace, home, classroom, etc.
2. There cannot be a better day than the Computer Security Day for changing your old passwords. And don’t just change them, make them unhackable! And to know how to do it, get these tips for creating stronger passwords.
3. Going for a walk every morning is good for you; and so is scanning your computer every once in a while. Run a complete virus scan of your computer and see if any virus is lurking in your system.
4. Once you are done with the scan and cleaning off any existing virus, backing up your computer data would be the next best thing to do. From external USB hard drives to cloud storage and from DVDs to portable devices such as flash drives, you have a lot of options to go for.
5. Now that the backup part is over, let’s get down to another important stuff that you should consider doing on Computer Security Day, and that is killing unnecessary startup applications. Many applications start automatically the moment your system is ON and this can slow down your system big time. This is how you can go about it –
a. Click Start
b. Type Run
c. Click Run
d. Type ‘msconfig’ and then press Enter
e. In the window that pops up, select the ‘Startup’ tab
f. From the list of programs that show ups, uncheck programs that you do not require when the system starts.
g. Click OK
6. Never leave your computer, smartphone, etc., unattended; always lock it if you are going away for a while.
7. Remember to carry your pen drives, external drives or any storage devices after you use them. You don’t want them to get into the wrong hands, especially when you are using them to store private or confidential information.
8. Watch out for shoulder surfing. Whenever you are accessing a site that requires login, or giving away any payment information on ecommerce websites, ensure that no one is snooping on you. Taking this measure is more crucial when you are in restaurants, coffee shops, bus stops, and other public places. Exercise this precaution even in ATMs.
9. And not to forget, update your computer’s antivirus software. And while you are onto it, update the system’s operating system, Internet browser and other software installed on it.
On Computer Security Day, you must also ensure that your computer is physically safe and not just digitally. Here are a few measures you can consider doing:
1. Keeping your work station neat and tidy reduces the risk of misplacing or losing storage devices, important files, etc. So, start by vacuuming your computer, wiping its screen, and tidying up its nearby area.
2. Laptops and notebooks are easy to conceal and steal. You can use security cables to prevent people from removing them without your permission.
3. Double check if your computer area is fire proof and has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers installed in it.
To conclude, if you want your computer to keep serving you with healthy bytes of cookies, then celebrate this Computer Security Day with safe computing. Stay safe!
Date source:
www.computersecurityday.org