8 Factors that Increase your Cyber Security Risk

Virus, malware, and spyware risks increase with the following factors:

• Sharing a computer
• Using public WiFi
• Using a computer while traveling
• Using a Windows XP computer
• Using Internet Explorer 8 (or earlier versions)
• Storing business files on your computer
• Having personal and financial data on your computer
• Using a smartphone for traditional computer activities

Some of these are common sense while others are not so easy to understand. 

Now that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, security updates will not be provided. Since updates repair operating system aspects that may be exploited by a virus, this makes your computer more vulnerable.

The combination of Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8 is more of a risk than with other browsers because it, also, is no longer supported. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) recommends using a third-party browser.

ZDNet has a good article about reducing XP security risks. 

Basic protection should include strong passwords and robust data back-up. Password strength can be measured on several websites like this.

Keep the list above in mind and reduce your cyber security threat by minimizing those factors.