In 2021, the United States Census Bureau published a report on computer and internet usage, which revealed that 81% of households own a computer and 74% have an internet subscription. Considering these metrics in light of the surge in cybersecurity risks, there’s no margin for doubt that the general public may be susceptible to cyberattacks.
The truth is that cyberthreats are evolving at an astonishing rate, especially with the influence of AI, rendering them harder to contain than in the past. Knowing how to protect your home computer from hackers is increasingly necessary.
At the same time, more important than knowing how you can protect your home computer is to understand how to you make protection a core aspect of your digital life.
Understanding the threat landscape
Home computers are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks, primarily because they can serve as entry points or weak links to larger networks via individuals who use them for work. The best approach is to familiarize yourself with the most common threats to home computers.
Phishing
A social engineering attack that consists of impersonating legitimate entities via email, chat, and other platforms to steal sensitive data. (e.g., catfishing and tech support scams).
Malware
Malicious software designed to infiltrate, harm, and exploit networks and systems.
Ransomware: Encrypts your personal files and requires a payment to unlock them. (e.g. after downloading a file from an untrusted source).
Spyware: Monitors and records your online and offline activity without consent, including tracking your keystrokes to capture passwords.
Adware: Continuously interrupts your online activities with malicious pop-up ads.
Trojan horse: Exploits your computer via a harmful file that appears to be trustworthy.
Weak passwords
Guessable passwords are easy to crack, increasing the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
Unpatched software
Outdated software is exploited by bad actors due to its vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, these threats can lead to significant damage, such as identity theft, financial loss, and severe emotional distress.
Essential strategies for protecting your home computer
After familiarizing yourself with the most prevalent threats, it’s essential to know how to mitigate them. Being aware of the importance of updates, backups, and passwords is paramount, but it goes further than that. Here are some strategies for protecting your online privacy and computer.
Implement multifactor authentication (MFA): It’s crucial to enable MFA for all your accounts that support it. At the very least, you should enable it for your most important ones, like your banking app. Even if hackers know your password, they won’t be able to access it without a second or third method of authentication.
3
Use a password manager: The value of password managers is unmatched. They offer a simple way to generate and store complex passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data in one encrypted and secure vault.
Keep your operating system and apps updated: Outdated apps, operating systems, and unpatched browser extensions are easier to exploit, so keep track of any required updates. If needed, use an app update manager to monitor them more easily.
5
Save your data with an online backup service: The consequences of your data getting damaged or erased in a cyberattack can be dire. Fortunately, online backup services offer automatic and regular backups to ensure you have a safe copy of your files in the event of a cyberattack like ransomware.
It’s easier said than done, but the truth is that relying on our instincts is often a great weapon against cyberattacks. Look for unexpected emails, suspicious links, or unusual account activity. If you spot anything odd, take a moment to investigate further before acting.
Take advantage of a background check service
A background check service can be invaluable for ensuring the person you’re talking to online is real and not a scammer.
Subscribe to a VPN
A VPN hides your IP address, prevents ISP tracking and data interception, and also helps you bypass geo-restricted content. With a VPN, your online activities are private and secure.
Use a secure browser and email service
Unfortunately, some browsers and email services aren’t safe due to weak encryption standards or inadequate privacy controls. To protect your privacy, surf the web with a secure browser and manage your email with a trustworthy email service.
Educate yourself
Simply knowing how to identify threats isn’t useful if we don’t keep up with how they are evolving. One of the most fundamental steps to blocking hackers from attacking you is knowing how they operate, so we recommend staying informed about current developments in cybersecurity. Explore this via news articles, videos, and reports.
Protecting your home computer starts now
The dangers brought forth by the rapid development of technology has made protecting our home computers more challenging than ever. 81% of people are at risk of becoming victims of a cyberattack and many are unaware of this. The best way to reduce the chances of being targeted is to adopt a multi-layered approach to security and privacy.
Subscribing to an internet security suite, enabling MFA, and using a password manager are some of the priorities. Above all, it’s important that you educate yourself about cyberthreats and keep up with the ongoing breakthroughs in cybersecurity. By doing so, you’re one step ahead in creating a robust defense for your home computer and protecting yourself from hackers.
Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate
links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review
products.
User feedback