8 ways to keep your Windows PC computer safe

Compared to traditional muggers and burglars, cybercrooks make more money with less risk…

And that means that us honest folk have to be extra cautious. Protecting yourself in cyberspace is more complex than locking your door or keeping a hand on your bag.

1. Antivirus: Whenever Windows is up, it should be running an up-to-date antivirus program. These work in the background, blocking not only viruses, but all sorts of malware.

2. Another-opinion malware scanner: Even the best antivirus program can miss an occasional attack. So, once a week, scan your PC with another program that scans only when you tell it to.

3. Firewall: Like an antivirus, this type of program runs in the background at all times. But this one controls the traffic between your PC and the rest of the network (and Internet).

Windows comes with a perfectly good firewall, but you should make sure it’s on. Search for firewall and select Windows Firewall in Control Panel.

4. Updates: Make sure Windows updates itself automatically. In Windows 7 or 8, search for and launch Windows Update. Click Change settings in the left pane. If Install updates automatically (recommended) isn’t selected, select it. In Windows 10, search for windows updates and select Windows Updates Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the window and click Advanced options. Make sure Automatic (recommended) is selected.

5. Your browser: Just like Windows, your browser needs to be up-to-date and secure. Go to your browser’s settings to make sure it updates regularly and that it’s set to block suspicious sites.

6. Encryption: If your PC is stolen, why let the thieves get your secrets, as well. Put your most sensitive files in an encrypted container.

7. Passwords: You need a separate password for every website you log into, and each password must be long, strong, and complex. How do you remember them all? With a password manager.

8. Email: Your email client probably has a good spam filter, but it’s not perfect. Some bad messages may get through. Learn to identify them.