5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
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1. Keep everything up to date
Security threats continually evolve, so you must keep your browser updated. Updates help protect you from the latest spreading viruses and attacks. Tap or click here to find out if you are using the newest version of your browser.
Even more important, update your operating system regularly. Windows releases frequent (though sometimes buggy) updates, and missing any can mean severe consequences for your security. The same goes for Macs.
Most Windows PCs download and install updates automatically by default. If you haven’t changed your automatic update settings, you might not need to change a thing. If you’ve turned automatic updates off, you can update manually.
Apple’s macOS receives its updates through the Mac App Store. Open the App Store app, and click Updates. Tap Update to download and install.
2. Test your firewall
Even if cybercriminals can see your network, a firewall helps to prevent them from getting inside and doing any damage. Make sure your firewall is on.
For Windows, open Settings > Update & Security. Choose Windows Security from the left-hand menu. Choose Firewall & Network Protection to open the firewall menu.
Your system will tell you whether your firewall is on or not. If it’s off, you can toggle it on or reset the settings to default by clicking on Restore firewalls to default.
For Mac, open System Preferences, then click Security and Privacy. Click the Lock Icon to make changes and enter your admin username and password. Then select Turn on Firewall.
Windows and Mac security settings to check now
It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.
Windows 10: New feature stops potentially dangerous apps from running - Check if it's enabled
When using a computer for some time, there are bound to be some apps and software on the machine that you don’t want. Installed applications can be uninstalled by going through the ‘Remove Programs’ setting, but that doesn’t always do the trick.