Cybersecurity for your personal computer: Difference between revisions

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In this section, we have a few tips for you to enhance your computer’s security, and a [[Cybersecurity_Basics:Health_Check|short quiz for a health check on your computer]].

Enable “Install Update Automatically” to allow timely installation of security updates on your operating system and software.<br>

For more information, please visit [https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/software-updates-why-they-matter-cyber-security Software updates: Why they matter for cybersecurity].

   

Strong passwords are essential to keep your computer and your accounts secured.  Refer to [https://docs.alliancecan.ca/wiki/Cybersecurity_Basics#Password_Hygiene_Habits Password Hygiene Habits] for more tips.

   

To prevent your computer from malware infection, install an antivirus software on your computer and keep it updated.

   

Pay attention to the hyperlinks attached in emails or search engine results before you click on them, a hyperlink containing a weird domain name is a strong signal of malicious activities.<br>

For more information, please visit [https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/signs-phishing-campaign-how-keep-yourself-safe Signs of a phishing campaign: How to keep yourself safe].

To protect the Wi-Fi network at your home, set a strong Wi-Fi password and update your router’s firmware regularly.<br>

   

For more information, please visit [https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/secure-your-connections/private-networks Private networks] and [https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/secure-your-connections/public-wi-fi Public Wi-Fi].

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Computers at the workplace are typically managed and protected by the organization’s IT services team, different sets of security measures may be applied.  You should follow your organization’s policy to protect computers at the workplace.<br> [[Cybersecurity_Basics:Health_Check|Check out our short quiz for a health check on your computer!]]

Despite many solutions that protect information and systems, stolen usernames and passwords (credentials) are still the most common way attackers gain unauthorized access.  While this might be through social engineering or phishing, it is frequently the result of weak, guessable passwords and re-used credentials that have been exposed.

If this is not your current situation: '''Don’t Panic!''' just start making changes today. Every little bit helps. If you have hundreds of passwords you need to change, start with a few of them, do a couple every day at lunch. Every time you make even one set of credentials more secure you’re doing yourself a big favour.

We rely on a variety of online resources and accounts to help us in our work and to tackle tasks effectively. How we access these tools and how we behave online can have a significant impact on our personal security and the security of the resources we share as members of the Alliance.

Doing even some of these things will make it more challenging for attackers to target us and our colleagues in phishing attacks, to engage in credential stuffing or password guessing.

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