Helpful Tips by Sydney Dawson
We are surrounded by technology. It is an incredible asset but with it comes the dangers of malware.
This can include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and botnets. These are all
incredibly dangerous, especially when you have sensitive content on your computer. Here are 5 tips for
protecting yourself and your computer against the dangers of malicious content:
1. Install anti-virus software
BYU has an awesome anti-virus software called Sophos. It is partnered with CAS and a free resource to
download for all students. You can download it here (https://infosec.byu.edu/antivirus)
2. Perform regular software updates
Developers frequently release updates and patches that address security vulnerabilities. That is why it is
important to keep your operating systems, browsers, and apps up to date.
3. Avoid suspicious websites and links
Unsecure and sketchy websites, especially those that offer free downloads, often hold malware. It is
important to stick to reputable sites and sources for downloads. To be even more secure, it is wise to
check the URL for authenticity because these can not be faked. In addition to websites, use caution
when opening unknown email attachments. Phishing emails are often used to plant malware on your
devices. Verify the sender before opening any email attachments, especially when on your work
computer.
4. Backup your data
Keep your important files and documents regularly backed up on an external storage device. This can
include cloud-based storage, external software like google drive, or a physical hard drive. This way in the
event of a malicious attack you will not lose all your valuable data.
5. Set unique passwords
By setting different passwords for each site, you are protecting yourself from a total takeover. This means
that if a cyber criminal gets into one account, they can’t use that same password to access all your other
accounts. If you are concerned about remembering all these unique passwords, you can use a password
manager. A Password manager is a place to store your passwords so that they are secure. They have two-factor authentication and put your security as their top priority. They can also be used to generate
random passwords.
By implementing these 5 tips, your computer will have a stronger defense system and you as a user will
be more aware of how to avoid any accidental exposures to malware.