At DarkHorse IT, we’re big believers in making cybersecurity simple and approachable.
Whether you’re working from home, running a small business, or just browsing the internet after dinner, these five steps can make a big difference in keeping your devices safe and secure.
These are the exact things we do for our clients — and they’re easy enough for anyone to start doing today.
1. Silence the Noise: Turn Off Windows Notifications
You might not realize it, but those pop-ups from the bottom-right corner of your screen can be a gateway for scams.
Some malicious websites and sketchy ads sneak into your system by tricking you into allowing browser notifications — and suddenly, you’re bombarded with fake virus alerts or scare messages trying to get you to click or call fake support lines.
That’s why we turn off system notifications and enable Do Not Disturb mode on every PC we manage. It’s a simple way to cut off a common attack before it starts.
2. Install uBlock Origin (Just Not in Chrome)
Ads aren’t just annoying — they can be dangerous.
Malicious ads (aka “malvertising”) are one of the easiest ways for attackers to trick people into downloading malware or visiting fake websites. That’s why we recommend installing uBlock Origin, a powerful free ad-blocker.
But here’s the catch: Google Chrome has begun limiting what extensions like uBlock Origin can do.
✅ We recommend switching to one of these browsers:
- Firefox (our top pick)
- Microsoft Edge
- Brave
These browsers still support uBlock Origin in full, helping block malicious ads and scripts before they load — making your browsing faster and safer.
3. Enable Automatic Updates
Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers get in.
That’s why we encourage turning on automatic updates — not just for your operating system, but also for apps, browsers, and anything else you use regularly.
If something offers to keep itself updated automatically, say yes. Staying current means you’re getting critical security patches as soon as they’re available.
4. Use a Password Manager Like Bitwarden
Let’s face it — nobody can remember 50+ unique passwords (and sticky notes don’t count).
We help our clients set up Bitwarden, a secure password manager that stores all your logins safely and helps you create strong, unique passwords for each site.
With Bitwarden:
- You only need to remember one master password
- All your credentials are stored securely
- You’ll never have to reset a forgotten password again
Long, complex passwords + password manager = huge win for security.
5. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even the best password isn’t enough on its own these days. That’s why 2FA (two-factor authentication) is a must.
2FA adds a second step to your login — usually a code sent to your phone or generated by an app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
We recommend enabling 2FA on any account that supports it, especially:
- Banking
- Social media
- Work accounts
- Password managers
This is one of the most effective ways to stop unauthorized access dead in its tracks.
The Trade-Off: Convenience vs. Security
We get it — switching browsers, setting up a password manager, turning on 2FA… it all sounds like a hassle.
But here’s the reality:
A little inconvenience now can save you from a huge mess later.
At DarkHorse IT, we help clients find that sweet spot — where their systems are locked down but still easy to use. We don’t believe in overcomplicating things — just smart, simple changes that make a difference.
Need help locking down your digital life?
Whether you’re a family looking for peace of mind or a small business needing stronger cybersecurity, we’re here for you.
📞 Contact us today at darkhorseit.com — and let’s get you secured.
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