What are the first steps needed on a new computer?
As noted by Lukas Apynis, senior cybersecurity engineer at Baltimax and ESET specialist, many people, as soon as they buy a new computer, rush to install programs, connect to internet banking, email, or social media accounts, even though the device itself is not yet ready for safe use.
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“As soon as you turn on a new computer, you should first take care of its security before starting to use it. I recommend first updating the operating system and programs, enabling automatic updates, installing a reliable security solution, and if the computer is for a child – creating a separate account for them without administrator rights,” advises the IT expert.
“It is also worth agreeing with the child on usage rules right away, enabling content filtering if necessary, and explaining why it is not allowed to click on suspicious links, install untrusted game add-ons, or share passwords.”
Although the basic security principles apply to both children and adults, the latter usually store much more sensitive information on their computers – internet banking logins, work documents, personal data, or photos, so it is especially important to ensure protection against data theft, fake login pages, ransomware, and other threats that can not only disrupt computer operation but also cause financial losses.
“It is best to install security software immediately – as soon as you turn on a new computer and before you start browsing the internet, installing programs, or connecting external drives. Many think that a new computer is safe by itself, but it is often used most intensively on the first day,” says L. Apynis.
Moreover, nowadays there are digital security programs on the market that allow managing the protection of all family members’ devices in one place. This is convenient for parents – they can see whether devices are protected, whether updates are installed, and easily manage the protection of several family members if needed.
Why is “antivirus” not enough?
Although the word “antivirus” is familiar to many from childhood, today it no longer reflects the capabilities of all modern security solutions. Previously, the main task of such programs was to detect and remove viruses, but now reliable solutions help protect against a much wider range of threats – data theft, fake login pages, phishing attacks, ransomware, malicious links, and other internet dangers.
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“People have long thought that viruses are the biggest threat, but today it is equally important to protect against data phishing. Even the best protection will not always help if a person enters internet banking or email login details on a fake page. That is why it is important not only to use security tools but also to ensure unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regularly back up important data,” says L. Apynis.
Today, users can choose from many security programs. Although a free version may be sufficient for basic protection in some cases, before deciding what to use, it is worth comparing not only the price but also the offered features, privacy policy, and technical support options.
Also, it is worth remembering that security programs should only be downloaded from official sources, as software distributed on untrusted websites can become an additional threat to your computer.
Modern operating systems already have built-in basic security measures – they help protect against some cyber threats and ensure basic device security.
“Basic operating system security measures are certainly better than having no protection at all, but if the computer is used for work, internet banking, shopping, or stores a lot of important data, they may not be enough. In such cases, it is worth considering whether additional security methods are needed to help protect against modern cyber threats,” says the cybersecurity expert.
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6 things every computer user should do:
- enable automatic operating system and program updates;
- use a different, strong password for each account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA);
- download programs and security solutions only from official sources;
- do not rush to click links in emails or messages – even if they seem urgent or important;
- regularly back up important documents and photos;
- use a reliable digital security solution that meets your needs and helps protect against modern cyber threats.
