Personal Computers are very common these days, and virtually everyone has one of them. Children and adults all make use of the Internet in their daily activities. They do stuff like learning, research, e-banking and commerce, or communicating with others via social platforms.
Personal Computers are available in varieties. While some devices are best suited for gaming, others for graphics and design works, some designed for developing codes and programs, and the majority having basic features to get by in day-to-day typing and research activities.
Unfortunately, they are usually somewhat expensive, and as such people with low incomes cannot afford to own most personal computers.
For this reason, Chromebooks were invented by Acer and Samsung electronics as low-cost, lightweight devices that run on the Chrome Operating System to carry out basic tasks.
Unlike many other Personal devices, a Chromebook’s operations are on the Google Chrome Browser, and its files and data are stored in the Google cloud, rather than on the hard disk. It also runs on much less speed, RAM, and has smaller ROM because it is designed only for a few basic activities.
Despite its limited abilities, the Chromebook prides itself on its security features, as it comes with a malware repellant in its systems, protecting its information from destruction. Chromebooks are however susceptible to some other attacks, some of which are:
Risks facing Chromebook Users
- Fake Apps – Despite running on the Chrome OS, the Chromebook can process and install Android and Linux-based applications.
This leaves the user at risk of downloading fake apps which are a front for criminal activities; especially when the app is obtained from an unverified source.
- Phishing – every user that makes use of the internet is susceptible to a phishing attack, especially since over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing link/mail.
Phishing attacks are done to steal all unprotected available information on the device.
- Viruses – Much like regular computers, Chromebooks can be infected by viruses when a corrupted device is given direct access to the Chromebook’s hard drive, especially through file transfer.
How Users can protect their devices
The following tips are measures you can implement to combat or protect your device from any of the above issues:
- Factory Reset – this should be done if the Chromebook gets compromised by Viruses and fake apps refusing to uninstall. Fortunately, the user’s files are stored on backup google drive, rather than on the
device, reducing the amount of information lost.
- VPN – is an important tool for users’ online privacy and security. Installing a VPN for the Chrome OS will encrypt your connection, which prevents hackers and third parties from snooping on your activities. The software is also effective in securing your device when you are connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Avoid Unverified Sources – the applications to be run on your Chromebook should be strictly from the app store that comes with the device, rather than from unverified websites.
Users should also abstain from receiving cracked versions of applications from others through file transfer because they may contain viruses.
Conclusion
The use of Chromebooks has gone global, and a statement released by an IDC analyst revealed that Chromebooks outsold MacBooks in 2020. Implementing the above tips will help you enjoy your device for much longer.
