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How to protect your personal data?

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Added on August 8th, 2014

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A computer security expert delivers basic tips to guard against the highest risk of theft of banking and confidential information.

1. Operating Systems

“What we suggest, it is the most recent Windows 8 type (or Windows 7) operating systems, which benefit from the support and updates from Microsoft. Avoid keeping Windows XP.

For Macs, there are more and more risks. The number of computers is more important everyday, more interested by hackers. We must therefore now consider installing an antivirus software.

Finally, Linux is secure as supported by a community of developers. Ubuntu can be a solution for the general public.”

2. Internet Browser

“Our advice is do not use Internet Explorer, which has many security vulnerabilities. Instead, stick with Firefox or Chrome.”

3. Antivirus, firewall

“We recommend antivirus software like Kaspersky or Simantec or at least Avast. But antivirus does not stop everything! Obviously, do not go to unknown sites, illegal downloads, by clicking on a link that may provide your data to hackers. So remember to save your files to an external hard drive. In case of infection, to analyze the entire disc with your antivirus. Anti-spyware or anti-adware as Malwarebytes can also help. If in doubt, consult an expert or forums.”

4. Passwords

“Most people use their date of birth, information that can often easily recover on Facebook or social networks. The idea is to find a password that you can remember by using numbers, uppercase, lowercase and special characters. Above all, do not put the same password everywhere, especially for access to the bank. It is generally advisable to renew passwords every three months.”

5. WiFi

“You have to make sure the WiFi key is more complex than the date of birth, for example. And that encryption does not take place in WEP, easily hackable, but rather in WPA2. A lot of people failing to configure their wireless network completely open their connection. Everyone is then able to connect. But in this case, if someone uses your connection without your knowledge, all downloads from the line are considered the responsibility of the owner of the line.”

6. Spam / phishing

“Do not ever click on a link for which you are not sure. The bank details are never claimed by firms in an email. If you are not sure, go directly to the site without using the link via your browser. Indices such as a misspelling, a strange email address may suggest a phishing attempt.”

Related software

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This Antivirus tip is for Security guide.