The Most Common Computing Mistakes (how many have you made?)

Avoid These Computing Mistakes

Here are some of the most common computing mistakes, and some tips on corrective action you can take today.

SECURITY: Failure to use anti-malware protection is like leaving your door open and your wallet on the table. Viruses, spyware, trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, ransomware and other cyber-attacks are ubiquitous, and they can enter a computer through many different channels. The damage that malware can do ranges from minor annoyance to data loss to identity theft. The latter can take years to remedy and cost thousands of dollars.

It's been shown that a computer left unprotected can be infected within minutes after going online! Protecting yourself against malware should be a high priority. There really is no excuse for not using an effective Internet security program. I have reviewed many of them here, and all are available in free versions.

• HOW TO PREVENT IT: Try AVG Free for basic Internet security. My recommendation for the most comprehensive protection is PC Matic - An Overdue Review

PASSWORDS: Is your online banking password "123456" or "abc123"? Do you use the same password for ALL of your online accounts? Weak or predictable passwords make it easy for hackers to plunder your bank account or hack your email. Below are some tips to help you create and manage strong, secure passwords. See also my advice on adding an "Extra Layer of Security" to your passwords, and a tool to find out of your online accounts have already been compromised.

• HOW TO FIX IT: See Are You (and your password) on The Naughty List?
• HOW TO FIX IT: See An Extra Layer of Security

OPERATING SYSTEM: Keeping Windows up to date is also a critical security chore. Hackers discover new vulnerabilities in the world's most popular operating system every month, and Microsoft issues critical security updates of Windows and other MS applications as fast they're fixed. The good news is that this free protection comes via the Automatic Updates feature, which Microsoft first implemented in the 2004 Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you have deliberately turned OFF automatic Windows updates, I strongly advise you to turn it back on.

• HOW TO FIX IT: See Microsoft Windows Update Website

SOFTWARE: Application software also needs to be kept up to date and secure. Many malware packages target vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Chrome, and other popular applications. Automatic updates are available for many applications, and they should be enabled so you can easily receive security updates. Manual checks for updates should be performed at least monthly if automatic updates are not available.

• HOW TO FIX IT: See Keeping Software Updated Simply

DOWNLOADS: When downloading and installing new software, you're often presented with an endless series of 'Next' or 'OK' buttons. You might be tempted to mindlessly click through them, just to get it over with. But that can lead to some nasty surprises. Here are some things to be aware of when downloading, and a nifty tool that makes the process simpler and safer...

• HOW TO FIX IT: See Finally: The End of Next, Next, Next...

WIRELESS: If you use any wireless devices at home (smartphone, tablet, e-reader, laptop) you need to make sure your wireless router is secured. Failure to do so can give unauthorized persons access to your files, or the ability to use your Internet connection for illegal purposes. You may even be legally liable if you don't lock down your router. If you use public wifi on a mobile device, there's another set of things you need to watch for.

• HOW TO FIX IT: See Detect and ZAP Your WiFi Leeches

CLICK HAPPY? Don't fall victim to "phishing" scams, which are attempts to trick you, by impersonating a person or institution you trust. These can come to you by email (sometimes with personal details gleaned through data breaches) or as popups while browsing the Web.

• HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT: See Do You Know the Preferred Tool of Online Criminals?

TECH SUPPORT SCAMS: On a related note, the tech support scam seems to be gaining momentum. If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or "Windows Support," just hang up. You may also see websites with warnings that your computer has a virus, urgently directing you to call a toll-free number. The goal of these scammers is to extract money from your wallet, and in some cases they will infect your computer by remote access.

• HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT: See Beware Fake Tech Support Scammers

RANSOMWARE: Ransomware is a fast-growing form of malware that encrypts your hard drive, locks you out, and demands payment for the key. But it's not a good idea to pay these cyber-scammers, as it will only encourage them to continue their criminal activities. In many cases, you can unlock your files without paying the ransom. Even better, if you have a full backup, you can restore and be back to good in minutes.

• HOW TO PREVENT IT: See Ransomware: Are You at Risk?

The biggest mistake most users make is assuming that the worst will never happen to them. Paying attention to these essential tasks can prevent a myriad of privacy, security and computer problems. Follow the links above and learn how to protect yourself from viruses, identity theft, data loss and sluggish performance. Have you made any of these mistakes? Can you think of other common computing mistakes?

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