Keeping Your Computer Safe & Secure from Attacks

Last Edited by: LPL Financial

Man at home on laptop laughing

In today’s digital age, computers are commonly used for both personal and business purposes. Keeping your computer safe should be a priority for keeping personal and sensitive information secure. Here’s how to get started:

Tips for Protecting Your Computer

  • Install anti-virus software and enable your computer firewall to identify and protect your computer against cyber-threats.
  • Continuously update your computer operating system and all software to the most recent versions to keep your computer safe.
  • Create strong passwords and use biometrics.
  • Always lock your computer when it’s unattended.

Consider Backing Up Your Data

Cloud service

Another best practice for protecting your computers is to back-up your data on a recurring basis. There are several options users can choose for data back-up, including cloud service. With cloud service, data and files are saved securely in a remote location through third-party vendors who provide space on their servers for storage. Users are then able to access their data and files through multiple devices, methods, and with the benefit of cross-platform accessibility.

Other options

For users who would rather opt out of cloud service options, encrypted USB drives and external hard drives can be utilized to back-up data.

If you suspect your computer is compromised, we recommend speaking with a local IT professional to run a scan on the computer to ensure it’s secure.

Protecting Your Information

As more of our interactions take place online, there are more opportunities than ever for users to access their accounts from multiple locations putting personally identifiable information at risk.

Keeping Your Password Safe

Your passwords are the “keys to your kingdom” and all of your information, regardless of what device you’re on. Learn the importance of strong passwords and password security.

Keeping Your Computer Safe

Learn the first steps to take if you suspect that your personally identifiable information (PII) has been compromised through credit access, and how to stay secure while traveling.