Layer One – Operating System, Browser & Software
It is good practice to keep your computer, browser and all important software consistently up-to-date. A lot of these updates push out new security fixes. This is probably the simplest way of adding your first layer of security.
Layer Two – Windows Defender
Windows and MAC OS do a great job of making sure your computer is safe and protected. Windows defender is free and pre-installed on all windows machines and it’s likely the only antivirus you’ll really ever need for your computer. Windows defender has a dedicated security team that pushes out regular updates and it also doesn’t often bug you about updates or install unwanted applications on your computer. Apple products typically have their own build in protections that should work great for most users as well.
Layer Three – Malware Bytes Premium
Although viruses and malware go hand in hand, malware includes much more than viruses. Malware bytes is a very good, frequently updated, malware protection application that runs quietly in the background making it a solid option for third layer security.
Layer Four – Helper Apps
Helper apps are a good option for a fourth layer of added security. Some helper apps include things like ad blockers (adblock for chrome) , HTTPS Everywhere (forces sites to encrypt the webpage you are visiting), Password Safe (A place to generate and save passwords) and VPNs (A way to tunnel and protect your browsing data from attackers).
Layer Five – Good Habits
Good habits include things like, enabling 2-factor authentication, using strong passwords, installing only trusted applications, verifying that applications are frequently updated, and backing up your computer often.