Most of us think that our computers are secure and those basic security features that we have on our computers are enough to protect us against viruses and malware, however, that isn’t the case at all. The security features that we have on our devices are the basic ones and they aren’t enough to protect our computer against advanced viruses and malwares.
The viruses and malwares have evolved so much that ordinary measures and basic security features aren’t enough to protect our computers against these advances viruses. We have to take strong measures and advanced security features to protect our computer against viruses and malware.
Here are some tips that will help you to protect your computer against viruses and malware.
Always Keep Everything Updated
Whether it is your OS, Antivirus program or any other software, always keep all the programs and softwares updates because the latest updates come with all the security patches that were present in previous versions.
If you don’t update other programs then at least update your Operating System because your operating system update from 3 years ago would be defenseless against advanced viruses or malware. So, try to keep everything updated especially Windows and its components or if you’re using Mac then macOS and system utilities.
Antivirus Program
Make sure to install a good antivirus program when setting up your PC because it acts as a barrier and prevents your device from being infected by viruses and malware. Antivirus programs can identify, detect, and remove any malicious file or program before it can enter your PC.
When choosing an antivirus program then always make the right choice as your antivirus program will determine whether malicious files can enter your PC or not. You should opt for an antivirus program that provides real-time protection against viruses and if required then also opt for the paid version for additional security.
Enable Firewall
If you are using an antivirus program then it means that it has some kind of firewall but it won’t be as useful as the pre-installed firewall that your PC comes with. Make sure that that it is enabled on your PC to provide an extra layer of security against viruses and malware. A firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. So, it protects your PC against unwanted internet traffic.
Don’t open any suspicious link or file
When you are surfing the internet then you are always vulnerable to open any suspicious link or file unknowingly and infect your PC with viruses and malware.
These links and files may look legitimate but in reality, these are actually malware that can infect your PC. Avoid opening any suspicious file or downloading any suspicious file without screening it first.
Always avoid opening any suspicious links or files because they can infect your computer without you even knowing about it.
Don’t open email attachments without screening them
One of the most common ways by which people are infected is through Email. You receive a spam email from an unknown sender that although looks legit but is actually fake and spam. Such emails trick you into clicking on the suspicious link or downloading a malicious file. It is the most common way by which people get their computers infected by viruses and malware.
Whenever you receive an email from an unknown sender then avoid opening any link or downloading an attachment without screening them first because this is the most common way by which you can get your PC infected without even knowing about it.
Avoid installing cracked/pirated software
Another method by which your computer gets infected by viruses and malware is when you download and install cracked softwares. This is a common mistake that most of the users make, they think that they are getting paid software for free but in reality, they are not. Instead, they are bringing viruses and malware into their computer for free.
Automatic Scans
Another way by which you can make sure that your computer is free of viruses and malwares is to set automatic scans on a regular basis. Setting up scans on a daily or weekly basis is a good idea to ensure that your computer is virus-free.