Protect your computers from Ghosts ‘n Ghouls

With the Halloween season upon us, it seems only right we talk about Ghosts ‘and Ghouls!  We love Halloween here at Lucid Towers, from the fancy dress parties, to trick or treating with the kids, it’s great fun.

When it comes to your computer systems, what are you doing to keep the Ghosts ‘n Ghouls at bay (see what we did)?

To help keep you protected from the Halloween monsters, let’s look at some simple measures you easily put in place to help keep your computer systems secure.

Keep your computer systems, routers and Wi-Fi devices up-to-date

When it comes to your computers, the simple rule is to always be running the latest available software, updates and patches. Anyone who tells you not to update because it causes problems, quite honestly, doesn’t understand Cyber Security. The latest updates for your computers keep them running smoothly, and more importantly, they help to keep them safe by plugging holes and gaps. Your computers should be configured to check for and install updates at least once a week.

There will also be updated software, called firmware, available for devices like routers and wireless access points, again, these should be regularly checked for and installed. Ideally, these devices should be reviewed at least once a month.

Use Cyber Security software – Anti-Virus, Malware Protection and Web Filter

A good, solid, all-round Cyber Security product is a must. It should protect your computer from viruses, and malware and check your Internet traffic for anything dodgy. Some also have built-in firewalls, which we like to see as well. Whilst the basic free products are OK and better than nothing, a paid-for product will get you all the bells and whistles. And, if you’re using your computer for business, the free products aren’t licensed for that type of use (they are for personal/home use only). Your Cyber Security software should be both checking your computer in real-time and doing a regular scan of your entire computer as well – you really should take a belt-and-braces approach.

And a quick heads up to you Mac users – I’m afraid it’s an urban myth that Macs “don’t get viruses”. They can, and they do.

Avoid having administrator access to your computer for everyday use

When you’re using your computer, you should not have administrator access to it. Sounds odd, right? Well, there’s a really good reason for this. If you do get something dodgy onto your computer, most of these nasty programs require administrator access to run. If you don’t have administrator access, guess what? You just stopped it from running, even if you accidentally clicked that scam link in an email or downloaded that fake Anti-Virus software. Yes, on the odd occasion, it can be inconvenient not to have full access to your computer, but the benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience sometimes.

Gavin Moorhouse is the owner of Lucid Computer Solutions, based in Redditch they provide Business IT Support. He once ordered a joker wig for Halloween but received a green Brian May wig instead. 

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Email us at hello@lucidcomputersolutions.co.uk