Antivirus for Laptop and Its Security Checklist
As the digital world advances, so is the rising number of cybersecurity risks. All online thieves and hackers have to do is spot a loophole in your security and they're free to cause damage, especially one that impacts your private information and identity. As such, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist that includes the use of antivirus for a laptop for you to go over to make sure that you never miss anything when monitoring your laptop and data security. Read on.
Top 7 Checklist Factor for Laptop Antivirus
#1 Virus Protection
- Educate yourself about antivirus security tips and which antivirus for a laptop to use
- Check if antivirus for a laptop, such as Comodo Internet Security (CIS) is installed on all your device
- Get the latest virus update
- Ensure that your antivirus software has been configured to check all mediums, such as email, websites and downloaded files for viruses
- Make sure your antivirus for a laptop automatically updates itself at all times
- Perform a full system scan regularly
#2 Firewall
- Educate yourself about firewall setup tips
- Consider using a 3rd party firewall instead of Windows’
- Make sure your firewall is configured properly
- Ensure that only one firewall is running
- Keep the router to the latest firmware version updated
- Configure the default administrator password
- Turn on stateful packet inspection (SPI)
- Turn off the UPnP (universal plug-and-play)
- Disable the ping (ICMP) response on WAN port
- Disable IDENT (port 113)
- Turn off the remote management of the router
- Disable the wireless option if your router has wireless capabilities and you are not using them
#3 Password Management
- Come up with a strong password that is hard to guess
- Avoid storing passwords or sensitive personal information on your laptop or other devices
- Refrain from using the same password for several accounts
- Change your password at least every 90 days
- Use temporary passwords when using a public computer
#4 Phishing Scams
- Only access secured sites, especially when you have to enter personal information
- Be vigilant when clicking on the links in an email
- View attachments safely
- Never enter private information or log in using a popup window
- Be on the lookout for suspicious emails
- Think twice before responding to emails that ask for your personal information
#5 Updates
- Ensure that your laptop has the latest updates, particularly security ones
- Make sure your laptop's bios is the latest version
- After a long hiatus from your laptop, launch Windows update manually instead of waiting for automatic updates to kick in
- Check weekly for updates for software or apps you use on a daily basis, such as operating system, productivity suites (Microsoft Office), internet browsers, Adobe software (Reader, Flash Player) and Java
#6 Data Backup
- Educate yourself about computer backup strategies
- Perform regular backups of all your data files
- Test restoration of your data files to see if the backup files work
- Ensure that you encrypt your backups in case they are stolen
- Make sure at least one copy of your data is stored in a secure, off-site location away from your home or home office
- Review your backup requirements periodically
#7 Physical Security
- Ensure that your laptop and other devices are located in areas that are not easily accessible to outsiders
- Secure your laptop, especially when traveling
- Carry your laptop in a nondescript unit such as an ordinary briefcase
- Label your laptop with an asset tag
- Turn off the infrared port while out so nobody can access your files
- Many thefts occur after hours or at lunchtime so be sure to put away your laptop in a filing cabinet, docking station or other secure places when leaving the office
- Secure the locks on the doors and windows of your home
- Always watch out for diversions as a laptop thief may be lurking nearby
- Submit a manufacturer's warranty card with your details as a thief may send in your laptop to get repaired
Final Thoughts
Neglecting the risks of cybersecurity is sure to have a huge impact on you or your company. Keep in mind that cybercriminals are getting more and more sophisticated by the day, which means that they're no longer solely focused on large organizations or corporations but on everyday individuals as well.
Having a detailed security checklist is an outstanding practice that allows you to come up with immediate and sufficient identification of your shortcomings in your own protocols and leads you to take action quickly and decisively. With these regulations in place, you can successfully counter cybercrime issues and go on with your daily life with peace of mind. For a top-notch antivirus for laptop, choose Comodo Internet Security. It fixes, quarantines, and eliminates viruses to prevent them from replicating and spreading.
