Back To Basics.

For this blog post, we will be going over 7 basic security tips to reduce the odds of your computer getting infected with malware.

This is a basic list, and it is easy for most computer users to read and follow.

1. Don't be click happy: When you are on the internet, you should not be clicking every link that you see. Proceed with caution when you are asked to click on a link such as those in an email. Even though the link looks harmless, you can be redirected to another website that will install malware on your computer.

I'm not saying don't click on anything, just be careful.

2. Passwords are meant to protect you: If you are using "password" as your password for anything, you might want to change that. Use long, complicated passwords that only you can remember, and change them often.

A good starting point is to change all your passwords once a year or whenever there is a security breach in one of the services or websites you use which requires a password.

3. Keep your security software on: Once you get online, it is not a time to be disabling your antivirus software. This is a tip that gamers in particular need reminding of. And me being a gamer myself, I know this quite well :D

Your security software is meant to remain on, it should not be bothering you when you are playing a game on your computer. The only time you should pay attention to your antivirus bugging you is if you have actually gotten onto a game which has malware.

4. Avoid P2P and Pirated software: P2P Stands for Person 2 Person, which in this case is file and program sharing. Pirated software is software that is obtained via illegal means such as getting a product key from someone else, or downloading and using product key generating software.

These software packages, while free, are often a surefire way to get infected. So take the hint, always obtain software legally and pay for it if it normally costs money.

5. Social Engineering Attacks are rampant: This somewhat ties in with tip #1. Popular Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are being used to distribute malware via several means. These can include, but are not limited to: Infected websites, "videos" that you have to install an "update" to view, and in rare cases, malware that can fit in a twitter message without using any other means.

6. Not everyone is your friend: Just because there is a button that says something like "Click here to like me" does not mean that is something you should do. Your default answer should always be something such as "I do not even know you, why should I hit a button to like you?"

Because when you like somebody or something, you are also sharing information with them. So be careful what buttons you click.

7. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi: Needless to say, McDonald's is not the place where you should be doing your online banking. Not only does such action make you look somewhat... odd, it also allows hackers with even inexpensive equipment to find out what you are doing, and if possible, steal info that can be used to steal your identity.

Thank You for reading. I invite users to comment with any questions or comments.