Secure PC software is essential to safeguarding your device, computer and data from hackers. Hackers, also known as cybercriminals, snoop around your computer for a variety reasons. They could steal, alter, or delete information you consider important. Hackers have malicious intentions unlike other thieves who make use of stolen items to fulfill legitimate needs. They are most concerned with unauthorized access to your personal information, usually before you are aware that there’s been a problem.

Passwords, a security program and a firewall are the three main steps to secure your PC software. If you follow these top practices, it’s less likely that your computer will be hacked by hackers or malware (software that encrypts your data and demands payment for its unlocking).

Change the name of the administrator account. Make sure you choose an effective password that has lower and uppercase letters, numbers and computer symbols. Avoid using a standard password like 1234 because hackers can use automated software to crack passwords that are simple to guess in just a few minutes.

Update your operating system and other software. Most software updates contain security fixes that protect against hacking. Install all patches and turn on automatic updates when they are available to reduce the amount of time you’re vulnerable to intrusions.

If you own an laptop or any other portable device, be sure that the drive is secured even when it’s not in use. This is especially important for UF students. You can enable encryption do i need mcafee if i have avast in Windows by opening Settings > Update and security > Device encryption. This will protect your entire internal drive, as well as the majority of external drives, like SD cards.