Computer security is one of the biggest concerns in today’s digital world. If your computer is not secure, then your financial world and personal world are always at risk. Are you still vulnerable to digital disasters like malware wiping out your PC, online accounts hacking, or becoming a victim of identity theft?

1. 10 Security
loopholes
Are you vulnerable?

2. Computer security is one of the biggest concerns in today’s digital world. If
your computer is not secure, then your financial world and personal world
are always at risk. Are you still vulnerable to digital disasters like malware
wiping out your PC, online accounts hacking, or becoming a victim
of identity theft?
Here are some of the most security loopholes and simple steps to avoid
them and make your computer and online world more secure.
1. Mobile devices and PIN protection
We are now no more just on laptops and computers. Smartphones and
tablets make up for most of our digital world today. So, imagine if your tablet
or smartphone gets stolen or lost, how much you will really lose. With just
one device gone, anyone can have access to your photos, files, text
messages and even access to your other accounts, thanks to the different
apps you downloaded.
You need to do a very simple thing; enable lock screen protection that
requires a PIN or password before using the device. Though PIN does not
guarantee 100% safety, it is the first step for initial security for your mobile
devices.
2. Anti-theft app for mobile devices
If your smartphone, iPad or tablet is stolen then we take it for granted that
we are never going to see it again. However, if there is a smartphone anti-
theft app installed then there are still chances of recovery. You can
remotely locate it on a map from any other device you have or even from
your computer. It will play a siren and help you locate your phone. You can
even use this anti-theft app to wipe your device, if you feel you just would
not get it back.
3. Anti-theft solution for laptops
Just like tablets and Smartphones, you can even setup anti-theft solution for
your laptop. If it is stolen by any chance, you can remotely locate it with Wi-
Fi and IP address locations. However, it has to be connected to the Internet.
There are also some anti-theft solutions that lets you remotely control the
web cam and monitor the screen as well.

3. 4. Perform PC security checks
Another very common security loophole that makes us vulnerable is
skipping PC security checks. Don’t ignore when your computer prompts for
a security or system scan. You just can’t do without an antivirus. It is like
trying to drive a car without wheels. Have antivirus, firewall and other
security tools in place before working on your computer.
5. Laptop encryption
Setting up a password to log in to your PC is the most basic thing and it can
easily be bypassed, giving ready access to your files and personal
documents. The best thing to do is get your laptop hard drive encrypted.
This will stop anyone from removing or bypassing your password, keeping
your system safe.
6. USB drive encryption
The use of USB and flash drives are quite common today. All you have to
do is plug them in and get immediate access to all the files that you need.
However, with this flexibility there are also security loopholes that can put all
your files at a risk. If you are storing any sensitive documents on external
drives, it is best to encrypt them that require a password before the access
is given. It is best to go for 256-bit AES encryption.
7. Social network accounts security
If you are not paying attention to your social network, then it is just going to
be a part of time when you will be taken by malicious links and social apps
that try to get access to your personal information or money or even spread
spam. And wait, this does not include the privacy issues that come in play.
There are different social security apps that help you catch different online
threats. Here are some social security apps to check out.
8. Get online backups
You already know that you need to create a backup of your computer’s hard
drive. But what will you do if the backup disk goes bad? Using an online
backup service is a good way to protect your valuable documents, as a

4. second backup. You can select from many antivirus companies providing
online backup services to its users.
9. OpenDNS for content filtering
Do you think OpenDNS is only for families that have young kids? Other than
blocking adult and inappropriate websites, OpenDNS also helps block virus
spreading websites and other online threats. The basic level OpenDNS
service is free and it applies to both personal computers or even the entire
network.
10. Wi-Fi network security
Have your Wi-Fi encrypted is one the most important things to do to avoid
unwanted visitors on your network. Don’t let people you don’t know get
inside your Wi-Fi. If you have a home network then make sure it asks for a
password before giving access. This is the simplest step for Wi-Fi
encryption.
Avoiding these simple security loopholes can help keep you safe and
secure in 2013.