DANGER ahead! Protect your device from viruses, hackers; follow these 5 safety tips

Here are 5 safety tips that you can follow to keep your device safe and protected from hackers, viruses, among others.

Check 5 safety tips to protect your device from virus, hackers. (Pixabay)

With so much of your personal details stored on your computer and with the internet having access to almost everything, it becomes very important for you to protect your device from dangerous viruses and hackers. While the internet is the place that answers your every query, you need to keep in mind that doing so also exposes you to danger as you can end up clicking on fraudulent sites. The most dangerous part is that it exposes even your banking details, financial information, among others that are on your device. Hence you need to protect your device from viruses, hackers, and fraudsters, in order to avoid getting your personal details or money stolen. Here are some of the safety measures and practices you need to adopt to protect your privacy while you are online.

1. Install antivirus software

You need to install antivirus software on your computer from an authenticated source in order to keep harmful viruses, spyware, and other threats away from your system. Spyware and viruses can enter your computer in several ways like via random clicks to websites, online advertisements, among others. If you already have antivirus software installed on your computer, you can check the documentation for instructions and further details.

2. Keep your device updated

Every time you get a notification regarding the updates from your device manufacturer or operating system provider, make sure you download it. The updates especially related to your internet browser should also be taken care of. You should also keep updating important apps regularly as the updates can bring new features to protect your privacy.

3. Keep strong password

A strong password can keep your device safe from landing into the wrong hands. You should avoid keeping passwords like your name, date of birth, mobile number, or any other password which will be easy to guess. You should use special characters, numbers, both upper and lower case alphabets, among others to make your password strong. Make sure it is at least 10 or more characters long.

4. Avoid clicking on links you are not sure of

You should never click on the link or visit websites that you are not sure of. Hackers and fraudsters also send fake emails or messages asking you to click on certain links. But you are advised not to fall for such phishing attacks and crosscheck the official website before taking any action. You can note that the fake mail or message will always have some spelling mistake in the email address, and you keep an eye out for it.

5. Avoid giving your card details on random shopping websites

Online shopping is gaining pace in recent times as you get things delivered to your place without needing to step out of your home. However, you need to check out the website before entering your credit card number or providing any other personal information. You can read the privacy policy and other details carefully before placing an order. Make sure the website is authentic.