The security of our computers is a major concern in today's digital world. Today, we will address three key points:

Regarding the choice of the computer, there is no significant difference in security between old and new computers. However, security differences exist among operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Regarding Windows, it is recommended not to use an administrator account daily, but rather to create two separate accounts: one for administrator use and another for daily use. Windows is often more vulnerable to malware due to its large number of users and the ease of switching from a standard user to an administrator. On the other hand, threats are less common on Linux and Mac.

The choice of operating system should be based on your needs and preferences. Linux systems have evolved significantly in recent years, becoming increasingly user-friendly. Ubuntu is an interesting alternative for beginners, with an easy-to-use graphical interface. It is possible to partition a computer to experiment with Linux while keeping Windows, but this can be a complex process. It is often preferable to have a dedicated computer, a virtual machine, or a USB key to test Linux or Ubuntu.

Regarding updates, the rule is simple: Regularly updating the operating system and applications is essential.

On Windows 10, updates are almost continuous, and it is crucial not to block or delay them. Each year, approximately 15,000 vulnerabilities are identified, underscoring the importance of keeping software up to date to protect against malware and other cyber threats. Generally, software support ends between 3 and 5 years after its release, so it is necessary to upgrade to a higher version to continue benefiting from security updates.

The rule applies to almost all software. Indeed, updates are not intended to make your machine obsolete or slow; rather, they are designed to protect it from new threats. Some updates are even considered major, and without them, your computer is at serious risk of exploitation.

To provide a concrete example of an error, cracked software that cannot be updated poses a double potential threat. The arrival of a virus during its illegal download from a suspicious website and an insecure use against new forms of attack.

The choice and implementation of an anti-virus is important. Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus in Windows, is a safe and effective solution. For a free solution, it is extremely good and much better than many free solutions found online. Indeed, caution should be exercised when downloading antivirus software from the Internet, as it may be malicious or outdated.

For those who wish to invest in a paid antivirus, it is recommended to choose an antivirus that intelligently analyzes unknown and emerging threats, such as Kaspersky. Antivirus updates are crucial for protecting against emerging threats.

Finally, here are some best practices for securing your computer and data. It is important to choose an effective and user-friendly antivirus. It is also crucial to adopt good practices on your computer, such as not inserting unknown or suspicious USB keys. These USB keys may contain malicious programs that can automatically launch upon insertion. Checking the USB key will be useless once it has been inserted. Some companies have been victims of hacking due to USB keys being carelessly left in accessible areas, such as parking lots.

Treat your computer as you would your home: stay vigilant, regularly update your software, delete unnecessary files, and use a strong password for added security. It is crucial to encrypt data on laptops and smartphones to prevent theft or data loss. BitLocker for Windows, LUKS for Linux, and the built-in option for Mac are solutions for data encryption. It is recommended to activate data encryption without hesitation and to write down the password on paper to be kept in a safe place.

In conclusion, it is essential to choose an operating system that suits your needs and regularly update it, as well as the installed applications. It is also crucial to utilise an effective and user-friendly antivirus program and adopt good security practices to protect your computer and data.