How To Keep Your Laptop Safe From Viruses And Hackers

Laptops are becoming increasingly essential in our modern, digitised world. We use them for everything – from online shopping to chasing our favourite dramas and work. As a result, our devices contain a wealth of information about us, including our banking records and sensitive information about work.

This information is valuable to nefarious hackers, who will stop at nothing to gain access to your data. So if your laptop is not well-protected, identity thieves and fraudsters, among others, can hack and compromise your device.

As a hardware subscription service provider in Singapore, we are all too aware of the - risks posed by cyberattacks. Therefore, we believe it is vital for our clients to practise good cybersecurity habits. Let us share the safety measures you can adopt to safeguard your subscribed laptop and protect your privacy.

Tip #1: Always use a strong password

Yes, this advice may sound like a no-brainer. However, you will be surprised to learn that as much as 94% of Singaporeans still maintain poor password habits, such as recycling passwords for multiple sites and using passwords that are easy to guess. This could be attributed to the fact that many find it challenging or a hassle to remember several complex passwords for sites they regularly visit.

But what if there is a way for you to keep track of your passwords and ensure they are difficult to guess without using brute force or any other password-cracking methods? The answer lies in using a reliable password manager to protect your laptop from hackers.

Fortunately, you don’t have to conduct extensive research to locate a competent password manager. Google Chrome even has this built-in feature! You can generate strong passwords within the browser and sync them to your Google account. This way, you can easily retrieve your passwords whenever you need them.

Tip #2: Always download and install the latest security patches

We understand how frustrating it must feel to be constantly interrupted by software updates during work time. Whenever such prompts appear, many will click on the "remind me later" button to continue with their tasks, only to forget about the prompt a few minutes later.

However, it is crucial not to ignore such updates, as they are designed to eliminate bugs and security flaws within the current software version. Microsoft and Apple both offer automatic updates for their operating systems, so take advantage of this feature to never miss the latest patches. If you do not want the hassle of pausing your task to update your laptop, you can choose to schedule the download at a convenient time for you.

Tip #3: Be wary of phishing emails and bogus attachments

One of the biggest cybersecurity threats is phishing attacks, which is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear legitimate. These attacks usually come in the form of emails with suspicious attachments or links included in them. Clicking on the link or attachment may result in the installation of malware, allowing a hacker to steal your confidential files and password or render your laptop inoperable.

So it is vital for you to obtain official confirmation that you are in contact with the person the sender claims to be. For example, if you receive a suspicious email from a colleague, call or text them to check if they did send the message. And never click on any link or attachment until you can verify the source.

Tip #4: Install and use licensed software

Users often turn to unlicensed software to save costs. Hackers are aware of this and seek to capitalise on this mentality by disguising malware in the form of cracked software. When you download such unlicensed software, you are inadvertently installing a virus on your laptop. This grants hackers access to your system, allowing them to steal confidential data from your computer. To minimise your risks, only install and use licensed software from reputable publishers.

Tip #5: Browse secured websites

Take a look at the top left corner of your screen. Do you notice the HTTPS in the URL? The "S" in HTTPS stands for "secured", which indicates the website utilises Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to establish an encrypted connection between a browser and the web server.

So why is this important? When you visit a website with an HTTP connection – the foundation of the World Wide Web – everything you do on the site is sent without encryption. For instance, if you are purchasing an item on an HTTP site, a hacker can intercept the data transferred from your laptop to the website, allowing them to access your personal data like your credit card information.

However, it is vital to remember that not all websites with HTTPS in their URLs are safe. Cybercriminals often create malicious sites with similar spellings to authentic websites to convince users that they are on a secure website. This is referred to as URL hijacking or typosquatting.

Therefore, you should always be vigilant about the websites you visit. For example, if the website has an SSL certificate but has an obvious typo like https://sg.yaho0.com/, it stands to reason that it is an untrustworthy website. Also, if your browser marks a site as "unsafe", you should think twice before entering the website.

Even with the most advanced cybersecurity software installed on your laptop, you can still easily fall victim to cyberattacks since human error plays a crucial part. A momentary lapse in judgement is all it takes for a hacker to gain access to your devices. In fact, according to a study conducted by IBM, human error is one of the leading causes of cybersecurity breaches. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the good cybersecurity habits we shared in this article to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.

Are you searching for an affordable laptop with minimal commitments for business or personal use? In that case, ITEZ.SG has you covered. As one of the leading hardware subscription service providers in Singapore, we offer a comprehensive selection of devices at affordable prices. If you are interested to learn more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us today or hit the live chat button!