Computer and device security is one of those things that often gets overlooked or put in the too-hard basket until it’s too late. There are a range of measures you can implement without too much cost or effort that will take your devices from “low-hanging-fruit” that the hackers love to prey on, to a realistic level of security they would have to be very keen to compromise.

These are a combination of awareness, clever ideas, habits, tools, choices, software and apps. It sounds like a lot but it’s not that bad, and once in place it’s quite easy.

In addition to security, there is also the matter of privacy.
Then there are the matters of SPAM (Unwanted email and messages), and Advertising.

System and Security Updates – Must be done ASAP
AntiVirus program – The best one is free with Windows
Wise Browser choices – Brave or Firefox – We’ll discuss this.
Effective browser security tools – small, free but effective
Awesome browser privacy tools – small free and make you so much safer
Secure Passwords (Habit) – I can teach you how to automate this.
A Password Manager (Free software and App) – The essential tool – I can install and show you how to use it.
How to make, hide, and remember a very secure Master Password (Clever idea)

SPAM prevention strategy – if you put in the work and apply a few tricks, you can beat the problem.

A decent Advertising Blocker (optional, but so good!)

VPNs (Virtual Private Network) – Do you need one? If so which one?
So you’ve decided and paid your subscription, how do you install and use it? Discuss it with me.

Strategies for increased Privacy and Security.

Start getting smart with what you reveal about yourself, and who to.
The less you reveal, the safer you will be.

• Sign out!
• Don’t leave GPS on all the time.
• Clear your cache and history regularly.
• Restart your devices regularly.
• Change passwords at least annually.
  Use long, complex passwords.
• Use 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) wherever possible.
• Use Passkeys where possible.
• Above all, don’t share anything with anyone you don’t know.