Apart from the usual resolutions that people make to bring in the New Year, it’s probably a good idea to also include a couple of resolutions that involve protecting the security of your digital life as well.

So, here are 4 steps to safer computing in 2013:

#1: Conduct PC Checks
While your antivirus might be effective, it isn’t able to carry out a thorough check for vulnerabilities. What you need is software that will carry out system-wide audits be it checking the strength of passwords, missing Windows security updates as well as keep track of applications such as Java, your browser, Adobe Reader and Flash. One such example is the Eclectic PC security tool.

#2: Encrypt Your Laptop
While a Windows password prevent anyone else from accessing your computer, there are other ways to find what’s on your hard drive. For instance, someone can steal your laptop and remove the hard drive, connect it with another computer and then have complete access to your information. Keeping this possibility in mind, it’s always a good idea to encrypt your hard drive as well.

#3: Sign up for Online Backups
While having a backup drive is mandatory, what will you do if both your hard drive and your backup drive go bad. It’s really simple – all you have to do is sign up for online backup services where you can store your most valuable documents. However, make sure that you pick a service with the most stringent security practices.

#4: Install a two-way firewall
Windows, by default, comes with a one-way firewall, which monitors only incoming traffic. However, this is insufficient protection as it is just as important to check for malware or other malicious applications sending information from your computer. For this, software such as Norton or McAfee Security Software or even ZoneAlarm as well as Comodo might be just right for you.