Unauthorized computer access implies the act of invading into a private computer without the owner’s consent. On the other hand, unauthorized computer use means the use of a computer’s data with malicious intentions and without permission from its owner. This act can be a minor or major offense depending on different jurisdictions.

With digital devices exponentially gaining popularity every single day, what also increase is the regular hacking incidents, data prying, unauthorized access, ransomware attacks among many others.

Beefing up security thus becomes the main option. Such scenarios usually arise when you use unsecured access to the internet without firewalls to protect against viruses and malware or leave your system unattended.

Most cybercriminals are aware of loopholes that computer users are unaware of, subjecting them to breach of personal data and the system.

This article is critical in making sure you protect your personal data and protect against malware as well. ExpressVPN details many ways and best tips that users can use to secure their computers against cyber rogues. Remember secure computer results to a peaceful mind.

Tips to help prevent unauthorized computer access

1. Strong Passwords

The unauthorized access to your computer’s operating system. This keeps unwanted people to your computer in the first instance. You may create additional accounts for guests so that your password remains personal.

Moreover, you should be Having a computer password should be a personal policy. It is a first step in stopping all changing your password more often and incorporate numbers and special characters to make it hard for guests to memorize. Your password should neither be written down nor shared with anyone.

2. Install antivirus or intrusion detecting software

Installing antivirus or spyware protection would prevent hackers’ from accessing private information from your computer. These add-ons can monitor your computer and notify you of any attempts that are or were being made by an intruder.

Installing these programs would prevent hackers from collecting your passwords or even credit card details among other important personal information. Always keep the software up-to-date and verify your software security at all times, do not let it make changes to your computer.

3. Using VPN to Boost Security and Privacy

Any information security professional would always advise users on strengthening their computer’s data privacy and security by setting up a virtual private network. VPN creates a connection between your computer and a secure server – increasing security of the user’s web session, financial transactions, transmitted data, and online personal information. ExpressVPN reduces the risk of your connection being hijacked whether it is on a public Wi-Fi or internet providers who snoop and sell your personal data to advertisers based on your browsing trends and habits.

Moreover, ExpressVPN protects against identity theft by hiding IP addresses, blocking third parties from tracking, bypassing firewalls and accessing online contents privately without censorship. Some key uses of VPN include:-

  • Connecting remotely to an organization’s private network;
  • Protecting your data when using public Wi-Fi the data;
  • Bit Torrent piracy hiding;
  • Preventing government surveillance or censorship; and
  • Accessing sites such as Netflix library from restricted countries

Read more about ExpressVPN here.

4. Handling your email – think before you click

E-mail has become one of the most common ways of attacking a computer. By being able to identify threats sent via email links and attachments would help you protect your computer and data. The following are threats that can be encountered:-

Phishing Attachments – You should never run or open e-mail attachments which are sent from addresses that are not familiar to you. Spyware, viruses and other forms of malware are can be distributed through e-mails containing attachments.

Phishing – This is an e-mail that seems to be from an official company like your personal bank indicating that you need to log onto the banks’ web link confirm your account settings. However, such e-mails are sites built to steal personal data such as credit card information, passwords, and many other details.

5. Get a software or hardware firewall

It is advised that all computers should have a firewall solution. Firewalls protect your computer in two ways:-

Hardware firewall – This is a physical device which connects to your home/personal network. A router can be used as a firewall solution.

Software firewall – This is a software program which is installed on a computer to help protect against unauthorized outgoing and incoming data. Note that this protects a specific computer only.

6. Always lock your computer

If you are stepping away from your desk and you want to keep your computer on, make sure you lock it – so that it may require a password once someone wishes to access it.

7. Biometric Devices

These are devices that authenticate users ‘identity by using their personal characteristics like fingerprints.

8.Install all Security Patches
Do not ignore the security pop-ups, make the updates to protect your data.

9. Maintain a Proper Backup of your Data
This would come in handy, in case of a worst-case event like an attack that would result in data loss. Make backup early and often.

10. Make sure you always verify your software security

Conclusion

Since there are so many risks in the cyberspace and people can easily get your data without your permission, it is important to know that you have the primary responsibility is to protect yourself. There are so many tips that can help keep you safe like using firewalls, great VPNs like Express VPN, having strong passwords, not sharing your password and many others. Following these tips will prevent you from having to suffer losses or compromising your privacy.