Feature
These common sense laptop protection techniques work.
Image: Pexels: Monoar Rahman
Owning a laptop is a big responsibility, especially if you have a high-end model. There are a ton of things that can go wrong — from breakage to malware. But with some common sense rather than specialist knowledge those things need not happen to your laptop. Here’s what you need to know to keep your laptop safe and sound.
First think about physical security
Your laptop should be a prized possession to look after. But what does that mean exactly? It means doing everything you can to prevent damage and/or theft. First off, you’re going to need a drop resistant and waterproof laptop sleeve to prevent physical damage. The Voova Laptop Sleeve Case, for example, comes in various sizes and colors, and costs less than $20.
You should also always use a laptop lock if you’re using your laptop out and about. It’s not guaranteed protection, but it can be a big deterrent for thieves. Well-reviewed locks can also be found for as less than $20.
Eating and drinking near your laptop is risky business, especially drinking. All it takes is one spill to destroy a keyboard and trackpad, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep liquids well clear.
Clean it
Even the shiniest and newest laptops get dirty and grimy after a while. Cleaning your laptop doesn’t just make it look fresh and new; it can also help maintain performance by keeping dust at bay. For best results use rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Keyboard putty is an excellent solution to get dust and grime out from in-between keys and vents.
Always use a secure sign-in method
You should always use a secure PIN or biometric login via Microsoft Windows Hello. Doing so will mean that in the event that your laptop is stolen or someone unauthorized tries to boot it, access will be denied. You should also have a record of your PIN should you choose this option, so you don’t forget it and get locked out.
Pexels: Markus Spiske
Antivirus software is a must
There are thousands of malware variants circulating at any one time. But with reputable antivirus software you can keep your laptop and its programs uninfected. A laptop free of malware means your files and identity are safe too.
For ongoing protection, run regular security scans on your computer. Make sure you update your software regularly to ensure the scanner is populated with the latest virus definitions.
PCWorld reviews antivirus software, so be sure to check out our list of recommended products.
Use a VPN
To avoid your sensitive data being intercepted online you should always use a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN encrypts your personal data which makes it unreadable to hackers. It also masks your IP address to keep your location and your identity safe.
If you’re looking for a VPN PCWorld has you covered with recommendations of reviewed products.
Pexels: Kevin Paster
Apply common sense online
What you do online can have a big impact on your laptop’s security. Avoid visiting risky websites and only visit verified links. That goes for downloading files too. Where possible, you want to ensure you scan any files you download for malware.
If your antivirus software has a built-in safe search option, use it as an extra layer of protection. Also be wary of phishing scams in your email, look out for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that are a giveaway that scammers are behind the emails.
Run updates
One of the best ways to protect your laptop is to allow Windows updates since security issues are often patched in updates. You’ll also want to run firmware updates where possible to ensure your laptop has the latest files for running efficiently.
