

Often, these flaws are spotted by the operating system vendors (like Microsoft and Apple) and fixed by way of security updates.ĭownloading these security updates can help to keep your PC safe from some of the latest attacks. However careful we may be there will always be moments when our anti-virus software is able to protect us from harm.Ģ – Keep your operating system up to dateĬyber-attacks are often successful because of security holes on PCs. If you’re unsure about what you need, read some of the many reviews online and choose a recommended package – but do make sure that your PC has some protection. Free software will tend to provide the basic anti-virus/anti-malware protection required, while paid packages will offer additional security tools and functionality. There are many paid and free security options available, ranging from the likes of Microsoft’s own Windows Defender, Avast and AVG on the free side to paid packages from the likes of Norton, Kaspersky and McAfee. Just remember to keep the software up to date though – new threats are emerging all the time, and your security software needs to know about them to be able to spot them. While it won’t give you licence to download and click everything you like with impunity, it can certainly help to spot those things that might slip through the net. If you want to stay safe online, it can help to have some good anti-virus/anti-malware software installed. You’ve probably been told countless times that anti-virus software is really important, but it is still worth reiterating that point. With that in mind, here are six tips for staying safe online. Criminals are continually finding new ways to attack us, and we must remain constantly vigilant. These stories remind us that we can never take our online security for granted. Malicious software like this will happily install itself wherever it is able, and that includes on your home PC.

The attackers will then demand some kind of ‘ransom’ – usually a payment using an untraceable digital currency like Bitcoin – to unlock the data and give you back your access.Īlthough high profile attacks like the one on the NHS tend to attract lots of media attention, cyber criminals have actually been successfully using ransomware for a number of years – and it isn’t just big businesses that are at risk. Ransomware, when it infects your computer, can be used to encrypt the data stored on it, effectively making that data inaccessible – that means you won’t be able to open your files and photos for example. The most recent attacks have taken a form known as ransomware. Cyber security has been back in the news of late with the recent attacks against the NHS and other targets worldwide.
