Home Computer Security Vulnerabilities

Home Computer Security Vulnerabilities

 Identify at least two vulnerabilities on your home computer and share them with your peers. Explain how you have/will mitigate those vulnerabilities.

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Home Computer Security Vulnerabilities

When securing my home computer, I identified two significant vulnerabilities: outdated software and weak passwords. Each of these vulnerabilities can expose my device to various cyber threats, ranging from unauthorized access to data breaches. Below, I’ll explain these vulnerabilities in greater detail and outline the specific mitigation strategies I’ve implemented or plan to implement to reduce these risks.

1. Outdated Software

Vulnerability: Outdated software, including both the operating system (OS) and applications, poses a major security risk. When software is not updated, known vulnerabilities are left unpatched, giving cybercriminals an opportunity to exploit these weaknesses. For example, outdated web browsers or operating systems may lack critical security patches that prevent malware attacks or unauthorized access. Cybercriminals often target these outdated programs because the vulnerabilities are well-documented, making them easier to exploit.

Mitigation: To address this, I ensure that both my operating system and software applications are up to date. I have enabled automatic updates on my OS, so it installs security patches and system updates as soon as they are available. This minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. Additionally, I periodically check for updates on programs that don’t have automatic update functionality, such as certain third-party applications like PDF readers, browsers, and security tools. I make it a routine to review and apply updates, as many software updates also enhance performance, not just security.

Another useful practice is to enable firewall and antivirus protections that can act as a secondary layer of defense if any software vulnerabilities are unintentionally overlooked. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, and…