Top 8 Ways to Protect the Data on Your Computer

Published on: March 28th, 2011

If you’re a typical person, you probably have tons of vital data on your computer that you don’t want to lose. For some, that data is family pictures. For others, it’s important essays, memo, and projects. No matter what data you want to protect on your computer, the fear of losing valuable data to random viruses, bugs or computer damage always lingers. Continue reading to learn how you can protect the data on your computer.

Tips to Protect the Data on Your Computer

To lessen your fears of losing valuable data, utilize these eight tips to protect the data on your computer or laptop.

1. Update your system’s operating system and web browser frequently. Keeping these completely updated will dramatically reduce the potential that your computer can be accessed by hackers. If your version of the system software does not automatically check for and download software updates, be sure to do this manually.
2. Back up the data on your computer regularly. Copy your personal data to some external medium. Do this at least weekly.
3. Use and update your anti-virus software regularly. This is a given, but many people forget to do this. Your anti-virus software should always be active when your computer is turned on, automatically screening new files, and you should always scan all your drives about once a week.
4. Don’t download files from strangers. Even if you know the person sending you an email, never open an attached file until you have scanned it first using your anti-virus software. Better safe than sorry!
5. Use a firewall connection to the internet. This firewall allows you to limit uninvited access to your computer. Without this, hackers can take over your computer and access sensitive information.
6. Use a secure browser. Software that encrypts or scrambles information you send over the internet is always a good thing. You always want to make sure that your online transactions are as secure as possible.
7. Password protect all sensitive information on your computer using a “strong” password comprised of a combination of letters and numbers. This will cause the data on your computer to be encrypted so that it will be difficult to make sense of by unauthorized individuals.
8. Avoid using an automatic log-in feature that saves your user name and password; and always log off when you’re finished. Enough said.

If you need assistance with data backup solutions for your business or home, contact Computer Troubleshooters. Our expert technicians are happy to assist you in creating customized data solutions.