Four threats and 10 steps to keep your new computer safe

A new computer at home or in the office is a good investment, but hackers are on the lookout, so cybersecurity is a vital priority.

Malicious scammers will seek to steal data, encrypt files, then ask for a ransom to «unlock» them, extract financial data, «mine» hidden cryptocurrencies, etc. They will do this through tried and tested methods, often based on hacking, stealing or obtaining passwords or exploiting software vulnerabilities.

The four main threats to a computer, according to experts at global digital security company ESET, are:

1. Phishing: One of the oldest forms of fraud. Cybercriminals disguise themselves as legitimate and trustworthy sources (banks, technology companies, retailers, etc.) and try to convince users to click on links and/or open attachments in emails. This leads users to a fake website that asks them to fill in personal information (such as login codes and/or address/financial details) or may cause malware to be downloaded.

2. Drive-by downloads and malicious ads: Sometimes, an innocent visit to an infected website or a website hosting a malicious advertisement can lead to the download of malware. Well-known websites may be less exposed in this way, as they have better resources and can provide enhanced protection. But there have been many examples showing that this is not always the case. This is why it is essential to invest in security software from a trusted provider and ensure that your browser's security settings are correct.

3. Digital skimming: hackers can also hack into the payment pages of e-commerce websites and infect them with malware designed to silently collect your card data when you enter it. This is difficult to avoid, as the problem is provider-specific. However, shopping from more well-known websites can reduce the risk.

4. Malicious applications and files: Cybercriminals also hide malware inside applications and file downloads that appear legitimate. Many of these are posted on online forums, P2P sites and other third-party platforms. It is therefore advisable to download files only from trusted sources and to use an effective malware security software tool.

10 tips for keeping your computer safe

Many of the following steps can be done automatically by the computer manufacturer or Microsoft in Windows, but make sure that all the settings are as secure as you need them to be.

1. Download a multi-factor authentication app to help protect your accounts from phishing and other attacks.

2. Avoid using USBs that do not belong to you, in case they are loaded with malware.

3. Use a password manager to ensure that all your passwords are unique, strong, and difficult to crack.

4. «Download applications/files only from trusted sources and avoid pirated material, which can often be trapped with malware.

5. Set automatic updates for the operating system and any software running on the computer.

6. Remove the bloatware (pre-installed applications) that often accompanies computers. Check beforehand if you don't recognise any software to make sure that removing it won't degrade the computer's performance. The fewer programs present on the machine, the fewer opportunities attackers have to exploit bugs in it.

7. Install multi-layered security software from a trusted third-party vendor and keep it up to date.

8. Keep backups and ideally make a copy of the data on a remote storage device that is kept offline.

9. Protect your browser by adjusting your privacy and security settings and making sure it's up to date with the latest version.

10. Enable and configure the firewall on the operating system and home router, ensuring that it is protected with a strong password.

However, even if you follow these best practices, you may still be at risk when browsing the internet. So, always be careful not to reply to unsolicited emails and online messages, and make sure that your device's encryption is turned on.