Review your online security, settings and status like a
pro
Here are simple steps to make sure you get the most out
of your security systems
Sure, you have installed a VPN and security software
on your PC, phones and tablets. But are they all working, or have you already
been hacked?
Check out seven ways to perform your own security
checkup:
1 Keep your antivirus up to date
Open your antivirus. Do you see a message about the
need to update the databases? Even if you don’t, search around to find the
command that runs an ondemand check for updates. Also, check whether an update
is available for the product itself. In fact, check all your security products
for updates.
2 Put your antivirus to the test
How do you know your antivirus is working? To test
your protection, start by visiting the Security Features Check on the website
of the AMTSO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organisation). Run the various
tests, which check several aspects of malware protection and protection against
phishing websites. Note that this only works if your antivirus supports the
AMTSO test pages.
3 Verify your VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, protects your
internet traffic by routing it through an encrypted connection. Here’s how to
check if your VPN is leaking. Turn off the VPN and search ‘what is my IP’ in
the web to see your actual IP address. Now engage the VPN and check again. You
should see a different IP address. You can also use a geolocation website to
verify the location of that IP address, to make sure it matches the location
stated by the VPN.
4 Check your mobile devices
Apple has made iOS impressive, but Android devices
aren’t nearly as secure. A typical Android security tool offers both malware
protection and antitheft features. It’s possible you already have Android
protection available as part of your desktop security suite. Many modern suites
cover multiple platforms. Check out the suites that offer the best Android
protection.
5 Scan the Internet of Things
There’s a growing category of security scanners for
smart homes.
Programs like Avira Home Guard do two useful things.
First, they let you know exactly what devices are on
your network. Second, they check for security problems with those devices.
Bitdefender Home Scanner goes one step beyond and reports on possible
vulnerabilities.
6 Have you been pwned?
Data breaches happen every week, and personal
information leaks into the dark web. Yours may be exposed, but how would you
know? Fortunately, the handy website ‘Have I Been Pwned’ can help. Just enter
your email to find out whether that information turned up in a known breach. If
you get the ‘Oh no—pwned!’ message, change your account password immediately.
7 Review your social media security
Your social media accounts (except Twitter) should be
set to private, so only your friends can see your posts. But have you checked
to make sure yours are configured for best security? Log in, navigate to
settings and review anything related to security or privacy. On Facebook, for
example, make sure search engines don’t link to your profile. Facebook also
lets you review all the devices that are logged in to your account. Review the
list, and if any of them look fishy, log out remotely.
in.pcmag.com
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