Test your computer security
So you have security software installed on your computer. But do you know if it is working?
ther are ways to test your computer security yourself.
1- TEST YOUR SETTINGS
Grab Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. This free tool examines your Windows and Office settings for any potential problems.
First, it will check your user account passwords. It will alert you if any account has a weak or disabled password. Accounts with weak or disabled passwords are easy prey for hackers.
It will also check many of your account settings. Is your computer set up to get automatic updates? Do you have more than one Administrator account on the computer?
2. UPDATE YOUR BROWSER and PLUG-INS.
All Web browsers, and they all need to be kept up-to-date to stay safe online.
Outdated versions of browsers can leave you and your personal information open to hacks. So it's critical that you always have the most secure and updated version of your browser. What browser am I using? is a site that tells you what browser you're using and if it's the latest version. Plus, there are links to other browsers if you want to give them a try.
Also you need to make sure your browser plug-ins are up to date. An outdated plug-in leaves your browser and your computer open to attack. Open up the browsers that you use and go to Mozilla's Plugin checker. It will show you every plug-in installed on the browser and whether it's up to date. Even though it's from the company that makes Firefox, it does work for Internet Explorer, Chrome and other browsers.
3. TEST YOUR FIREWALL
One of the basics of any security setup is a firewall. Windows and Mac have decent firewalls built-in.
A firewall keeps hackers from seeing your computer online when they're searching for victims. Even if they know where you computer is, the firewall keeps them out.
4. CHECK YOUR FACEBOOK SETTINGS
Your computer isn't the only place you keep your information. Think about how much you have up on Facebook that a scammer would love to have.
Even if you have your privacy settings set just right, you could still be in danger. Facebook changes its privacy settings regularly. If you don't keep up, strangers could see your information.
That's why the View As tool is so handy. It shows you what your profile looks to the public or specific people. If any of your information has the wrong settings, you'll be able to see it.
Go to your Facebook profile and next to the Activity Log button, click the gear icon and choose View As...
You'll see exactly what your profile looks like to strangers. Click through your Timeline, About, Photos, Friends and other sections.
If you see anything you don't want public, go back to your profile. Then click the Update Info button on the right.
ther are ways to test your computer security yourself.
1- TEST YOUR SETTINGS
Grab Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. This free tool examines your Windows and Office settings for any potential problems.
First, it will check your user account passwords. It will alert you if any account has a weak or disabled password. Accounts with weak or disabled passwords are easy prey for hackers.
It will also check many of your account settings. Is your computer set up to get automatic updates? Do you have more than one Administrator account on the computer?
2. UPDATE YOUR BROWSER and PLUG-INS.
All Web browsers, and they all need to be kept up-to-date to stay safe online.
Outdated versions of browsers can leave you and your personal information open to hacks. So it's critical that you always have the most secure and updated version of your browser. What browser am I using? is a site that tells you what browser you're using and if it's the latest version. Plus, there are links to other browsers if you want to give them a try.
Also you need to make sure your browser plug-ins are up to date. An outdated plug-in leaves your browser and your computer open to attack. Open up the browsers that you use and go to Mozilla's Plugin checker. It will show you every plug-in installed on the browser and whether it's up to date. Even though it's from the company that makes Firefox, it does work for Internet Explorer, Chrome and other browsers.
3. TEST YOUR FIREWALL
One of the basics of any security setup is a firewall. Windows and Mac have decent firewalls built-in.
A firewall keeps hackers from seeing your computer online when they're searching for victims. Even if they know where you computer is, the firewall keeps them out.
4. CHECK YOUR FACEBOOK SETTINGS
Your computer isn't the only place you keep your information. Think about how much you have up on Facebook that a scammer would love to have.
Even if you have your privacy settings set just right, you could still be in danger. Facebook changes its privacy settings regularly. If you don't keep up, strangers could see your information.
That's why the View As tool is so handy. It shows you what your profile looks to the public or specific people. If any of your information has the wrong settings, you'll be able to see it.
Go to your Facebook profile and next to the Activity Log button, click the gear icon and choose View As...
You'll see exactly what your profile looks like to strangers. Click through your Timeline, About, Photos, Friends and other sections.
If you see anything you don't want public, go back to your profile. Then click the Update Info button on the right.