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In our increasingly digital lives, safeguarding our data and devices is more important than ever. From online banking to remote work and virtual schooling, our home computers hold mountains of sensitive data. That’s why in 2025, no household in the world can go without a solid home computer protection checklist.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing your home computer, including what you’ll need and what you’ll want if the world ever gets back to normal.
Set Up a Robust Antivirus Solution
The first step is to ensure that your computer has decent antivirus software. Select a solution that provides you with real-time security, a firewall, anti-malware scanning, and phishing protection. In 2025, some antivirus programs also use AI to sniff out evolving threats — look for that feature when you decide upon your software.
Enable Automatic Updates
One of the most fundamental measures is to keep your operating system, applications and security software up to date. Updates regularly contain patches for known weaknesses. To protect against the latest threats, keep up with the automatic updates of your OS and all installed programs.
Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Passwords should be strong, and a password manager (like LastPass or 1Password) can make that easier.
Weak passwords, or using the same one for multiple sites, are one of the most frequent ways that hackers get into home computers. Create complex passwords for each account and consider whether you want a trusted password saved for them. Use passphrases that are easy to remember and difficult to guess for more security.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
This is one of those security features that you hope nobody ever needs for any of your apps/services.
MFA provides an added layer of security against hackers, even if they gain access to your password. The vast majority of the major services now offer the ability to MFA through an app, text message, or biometric scan. Turn this on for email accounts, financial apps, and anything you log into or store personal data with.
Back Up Your Files Regularly
Backing up your files helps ensure you won’t lose important data if you are hacked, if your hardware fails or if you mistakenly delete files. Regularly back up your documents, photos and system settings on both cloud storage and an external hard drive.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your home Wi-Fi is the door to all your internet-connected devices. Reconfigure the default admin credentials, create a strong password, and enable WPA3 encryption. Set up a guest network for your visitors to keep your main network separate and more secure.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is a shield between your computer and the dangers of the Internet. Most operating systems include an integrated firewall, but make sure it is turned on and configured to work properly. And you can also do that with a hardware firewall on your router.
Watch for Emails and Downloads
Phishing emails and evil downloads are still some of the top ways hackers gain access. Do not click on links that look questionable or open attachments in emails from people you don’t know. Validate the source of any software downloads or the input of login credentials.
Limit Administrative Access
Create a standard user account for the daily day-to-day work and use the administrator account to make system changes only. This does battle against unauthorized software installation from Bobo users and helps guard against accidental system mishaps (or worse) of the malware kind.
Educate Your Household
If other members of your household also use the computer, educate them on the most basic home computer security tips. Teach them how to log out of accounts, avoid sketchy websites, and watch out for popular online scams.
With cyber threats getting more advanced in 2025, the need to protect your home PC isn’t about common sense, but a to-do checklist to guard your computer. By using this home computer security checklist, you can lower the risk of exposure and make your digital world safer for you and your family.
Cybersecurity starts at home. Don’t wait for an attack before taking action to protect your organization—use these tips today to keep a step ahead of hackers.
