Staying Safe Online
The internet has changed the way we live our lives and has become completely embedded in our day to day lives. Used for shopping, research and social media to name a few, it is easy to become disassociated with the risks.
Its important to take precautions when browsing alone, protect your privacy, identity and your computer from attacks. It is a sad inevitably that we will all become victims of virus’s at some point and it is not always possible to protect yourself 100% but we have some tips on how to reduce the risks.
- One of the most effective and essential tools is to have good Internet Security installed. Not all anti-virus and Internet Security programmes offer the same level of protection. While free Anti-Virus programmes do offer protection, a paid for Internet Security programme will offer a higher level of protection. At Laptop Station we recommend Bullguard Internet Security, awarded Which? Best Buy 2016. At only £19.99 (when purchased with a new laptop or pc) it has its own Firewall to keep out intruders, an effective spamfilter to stop those nuisance emails. With a pop-up blocker to keep you safe while browsing it also checks websites as you use them. Bullguard Internet Security even comes with 5gb of Free online backup so you can keep your most important files safe and recover them if the worst happens.
- Use your instincts and common sense, if it doesn’t feel right then it may not be a genuine website. If there are misspelt words and poor grammar it may be an indication that the website is not genuine.
- If your suspicious about a website, perhaps it’s the first time using it or making a purchase, do a quick search online to see if there are others who have used it or if there are warnings about it.
- Don’t be so quick to click on the “x” on a pop-up. They are often links to further websites and real “x” is hidden somewhere else. If your not sure then it is safer to close the site then risk opening yourself to malicious attacks.
- Look for the padlock. At the start of the web address there should be a padlock symbol, this means the site is secure. If this is missing or is shown as an image within the page itself then the site may fraudulent.
If you have got a virus infection or find your getting lots of pop-ups then run a full virus scan, if this does not resolve the issue then book it in for a service and our technicians will get your machine back to perfect health.
