As more of our lives are online, security against hackers becomes increasingly important. Hackers are focused on two things: causing chaos and taking money. Hackers steal your personal information to charge you without authorization on your accounts or disrupt your business using malware.

There are a variety of ways to protect yourself from cyberattacks. Most of them don’t require a lot of effort. Start by encrypting sensitive data that isn’t being transmitted via the Internet (such as employee social security numbers as well as routing digits for banks and other sensitive information). Turn on full-disk encryption tools that are standard on all operating systems: for check PCs, it’s called BitLocker, for Macs, it’s FileVault.

Update your software regularly. Many hackers gain access to computers through exploiting weaknesses that are present in outdated software. Updates close these vulnerabilities, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your system and steal information.

Install a firewall on all your devices. Firewalls are network systems designed to regulate the flow of and outgoing information on your computer. Windows and macOS both come with a built-in firewall, but you should also use a third-party firewall software to safeguard your home networks and mobile devices.

Examine your device’s names as well as the names of your networks. Avoid using personal identifiers, such as your last name or your phone number in these names. This could allow hackers easy access to your data.

Be wary of discussing your work in public. Hackers could use even tiny details such as your hometown or pet’s name to breach security systems.