Protect Your Computers

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Protecting YOUR computer could also protect ours. We work with all different types of businesses and practices. They run the gamut, from small law offices to large municipalities. If they get a virus on their computer network and aren’t diligent,  guess who they are very likely to share that virus with? Their Customers. All companies, big or small,  keep in communication with each other, and often email is one of the ways we communicate. If a virus gets attached to one of to your emails, it would spell big trouble any company you send emails to.

Luckily, we are pretty diligent about keeping our own operating software up to date and well protected with some of the best of the Antivirus and Antimalware software. But not everyone does.

There is nothing more frustrating and expensive than having all of your hard work and files destroyed by a computer virus. Even if you are diligent all it takes is to let your guard slips. You click on a link when you are scrolling through those hundreds of emails you get every day, not fully paying attention and that one mistake can cost you big time.

There are some practical things you can do to protect yourself from the vast majority of these risks.  You need to be on guard regardless of what type of computer you use. Mac users once thought themselves safe from risks but threats have evolved to attack iOS too. All operating systems, regardless of type will not protect you from phishing or social engineering so you need to be careful.

  1. Keep Windows updated

Microsoft is constantly working to tackle bugs and errors and also increase security with fixes and updates. Keeping Windows up to date and current not only gives you the latest features, but also the latest protection.

To check Windows Update in Windows 10:

  • Click the Windows Start button and select Settings.
  • Select Update & security. Here you can control how and when updates are delivered.
  • Click the Change active hours text link to change when reboots will happen.
  • Do the same for your Apple Products, the steps will be different, but the intent is the same. Look for the most updated software that may have patches in it to combat some of the most virulent viruses and load it down!

2. Use reliable antivirus software

Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender built in but it is pretty much just a band-aid fix for anyone who uses their computer much. It is much better to disable Defender and install a reliable third party antivirus solution.

  • Use a reliable software and hardware firewall

A firewall prevents unauthorized traffic flowing to or from your computer or home network. It makes sense to have this running while also having a local software firewall running on every computer. Spen a few dollars and actually PURCHASE a strong Antivirus software package.

  • Use a malware scanner

A malware scanner is an optional extra step for more peace of mind. Some antivirus solutions include malware scanning within their features but not all of them do. Not all antivirus software will pick up all malware, so it makes sense to add another layer of defense to keep yourself safe.

I know it may seem odd that a company who’s main business is answering phones is posting about software and viruses, but these issues affect us all. Remember what the old man used to say:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

Central Comm over and out

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