Your home computer holds bank logins, tax returns, and, if you work remotely, a doorway into your business. In 2025, Americans reported nearly $20.9 billion in internet crime losses to the FBI, up 26% in one year. For 100 years, Windes has helped clients protect what they’ve built. Here are the 10 steps we recommend.
Why Home Computer Security Is a Financial Risk
Most advice treats a hack as a tech problem. As accountants and advisors, we see a financial event. One compromised inbox can expose bank accounts, tax records, and client data. And an infected home computer can carry an attacker straight into your company’s systems, putting payroll, vendor payments, and your reputation at risk.
The Most Common Threats to Home Computers in 2026
- Malware and ransomware: Software that steals data or locks your files for ransom.
- Phishing and business email compromise: Fake messages that trick you into sharing logins or wiring money, costing victims over $3 billion in 2025.
- Tax and IRS scams: Fake refund notices and “IRS” calls, especially during tax season.
- AI voice and tech support scams: Cloned voices and fake “your PC is infected” pop-ups.
- Unpatched software: Outdated systems with known holes.
- Physical theft: Stolen or tampered devices.
10 Steps to Protect Your Home Computer
The good news: most attacks are stopped by everyday habits, not expensive tools.
1. Keep Your Operating System and Apps Updated
Updates close the holes attackers exploit. Turn on automatic updates in Settings > Windows Update, or on a Mac in System Settings > General > Software Update. Update browsers and apps too. Still on Windows 10? Free extended security updates end in October 2027, so plan your upgrade.
2. Use Your Built-In Antivirus and Firewall
You likely already have solid protection. Windows Security and Microsoft Defender Firewall come built in and turned on; just confirm they stay on. Macs include malware protection, and you can enable the firewall in System Settings > Network > Firewall. Paid suites add extras like identity monitoring.
3. Lock Down Your Accounts
Use a password manager to create a unique, strong password for every account. Turn on multi-factor authentication with an authenticator app rather than text codes, and switch to passkeys where offered. Start with email: whoever controls your inbox can reset every other password.
4. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi and Router
Change its default admin password, keep its firmware updated and use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if that’s all it supports). Put guests and smart devices like cameras and TVs on a separate guest network.
5. Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi and While Traveling
Coffee shop and hotel Wi-Fi is easy to snoop on. Use your phone’s hotspot or a VPN, and always use your company’s VPN for work systems. But a VPN won’t stop phishing or malware. Skip public USB charging ports, or use a USB data blocker.
6. Protect Your Devices Physically
Physical access means total access. Work where no one can see your screen. Lock it when you step away (Windows key + L, or Control + Command + Q on a Mac) and set it to auto-lock. Never leave devices in cars or hotel rooms, never plug in unknown USB drives, and turn on BitLocker or FileVault encryption.
7. Recognize and Avoid Scams
Pause when a message is urgent or asks for money, passwords or gift cards. Hover over links before clicking, and skip surprise attachments. Our firmest rule: confirm any change to payment or banking details by calling a number you already know, never one in the message.
8. Browse and Download Safely
Use a modern browser like Edge, Chrome or Safari, which block many malicious sites. Avoid pirated software, movies and music, which often hide malware. Review app permissions and delete apps you don’t use.
9. Keep Work and Family Use Separate
Don’t let family use your work devices. Give everyone their own non-admin user account, add parental controls for kids, and take video calls where no one can overhear.
10. Back Up Your Data
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data, on two types of storage, with one off-site or in the cloud. Automate backups and test restores. A good backup turns ransomware from a crisis into an inconvenience.
Protect Your Personal Information and Identity
Share less online; birthdays, pet names and travel plans fuel scams and password guesses. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It’s free and easy to lift. Then request an IRS Identity Protection PIN to stop anyone else from filing a tax return in your name.
How to Safely Retire an Old Computer
Before selling or recycling a device, back it up, then factory reset it or remove the drive. For sensitive data, use a certified destruction service.
Think You’ve Been Hacked?
Warning Signs
Watch for sudden slowdowns, pop-ups, unfamiliar programs, password-reset emails you didn’t request, or strange logins and charges.
What to Do in the First Hour
- Disconnect from the internet.
- From another device, change your email and banking passwords.
- Call your bank about any pending wires or payments.
- Run a full scan, including Microsoft Defender Offline on Windows.
- Don’t wipe the device yet; it may hold evidence.
- Report it at and call a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Macs get viruses? Yes. They’re targeted less often, but malware and phishing affect them too.
Is free antivirus good enough? For most people, built-in Windows and Mac protection is enough when kept updated.
Is it safe to bank or file taxes on my home computer? Yes, on an updated device and a secured network, never public Wi-Fi.
How Windes Helps Protect What You’ve Built
For 100 years, Windes has helped businesses and families protect what matters most. From our Long Beach, Irvine and Los Angeles offices, our Technology & Risk team brings that same care to cybersecurity, from awareness training to cybersecurity risk assessments. Wondering where you stand? Take our quick 8-question risk scorecard or talk to the Windes Technology & Risk team today.
