Computers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for work, school, paying bills, or just having fun – we rely on our computers every single day. However, being connected also exposes us to security risks like computer viruses, worms, and other malware.
While we can’t avoid these risks completely, there are some practical steps we can take to minimize the chances of our devices getting infected.
Here are 10 practical ways to prevent and help remove virus from computer:
Use Updated Antivirus Software
One of the most important lines of defence against viruses and other malware is having up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer.
Reputable antivirus programs work continuously to identify the latest threats and provide protection in real-time. It’s important to ensure your antivirus subscription is always active so it can download the newest virus definitions daily.
Running regular, manual scans is also recommended to check for any infections you may have missed. Make antivirus scans a part of your routine computer maintenance.
Practice Safe Web Browsing
Being cautious while browsing online can go a long way in protecting your computer. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources. Only visit the official websites of companies and stay away from pirated content sites.
Also, watch out for phishing scams – never provide personal details on pop-up windows claiming to be from your bank or other services. Use browser extensions that block malicious ads and websites known for malware distribution.
Browsing securely lowers your risk of encountering browser-based exploits.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Weak, reused passwords make your online accounts vulnerable to hacking. Hence, use solid and random passwords at least 12 characters long for all your necessary logins.
Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And never repeat the same password across different sites – this prevents a breach on one site from compromising others.
Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure, unique passwords to protect your digital identity and data.
Keep Software Updated
Viruses often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software products. By ensuring you have the latest security updates installed for programs like your web browser, operating system, plugins, and other applications, you eliminate vulnerabilities cybercriminals are actively targeting.
Enable automatic updating for all software so security patches are applied as soon as the developers release them. Outdated programs leave doors open for hackers to sneak malware onto your device.
Download Files Responsibly
Only download software, apps, games, and other files from official download portals of trusted companies. Refrain from installing programs from third-party sites as they could be hosting malware disguised as legitimate files.
Also, avoid torrenting unverified content, a common source of malicious files. Scan any downloads with your antivirus before opening or installing them as a precaution. Be very wary of files received over email – even from contacts in your address book.
Backup Important Files Regularly
Ransomware is a rising threat that locks you out of your own computer and files until payment is made. While following proper security practices can help avoid such malware infections, having backups allows you to restore your device safely even after an attack.
Configure automatic backups of important documents, photos, contacts, and other essential files to external storage or cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures your digital life is not held hostage even if cyber criminals manage to breach your defenses.
Regular backups are cyber insurance for your data.
Use a Firewall
A firewall acts as an added layer of security by monitoring all network traffic and blocking suspicious programs from incoming or outgoing connections.
Windows comes with a built-in firewall, but it’s recommended to use third-party solutions for advanced protection.
A firewall can detect and alert you of malware covertly trying to phone home to infected command servers on the internet. It prevents hackers from remotely controlling your computer in the event of a breach.
Be Selective with Device Permissions
Mobile malware is also becoming increasingly common. Avoid installing unfamiliar or unnecessary apps requiring excessive permissions like contacts, camera, microphone access, etc. Grant only required permissions to trustworthy apps from official stores. Also, ensure your browser and device OS are up-to-date, as mobile platforms have become lucrative targets for cybercriminals.
Manage device permissions judiciously and avoid sideloading apps from untrusted third-party sources for the safety of your mobile devices and the sensitive data stored on them.
Use Caution with Email Attachments
Email remains one of the primary infection vectors for spreading malware.
Cybercriminals craft malicious attachments disguised as invoices, delivery notices, and other official-looking files, hoping users fall for the deceit. Never open unexpected file attachments received over email, even from contacts, without verifying the intent with the supposed sender first.
Hover over links in emails before clicking to check the destination for signs of phishing. Also, be wary of website login email requests, as such sensitive details are never requested over emails.
Employ Multi-Factor Authentication
The growing number of data breaches proves even large companies struggle with fully securing users’ login credentials. Prevent account takeovers using multifactor authentication, which requires not just a password but also an additional step like a one-time passcode to log in.
All important online services – email, banking, social media, cloud storage, etc. must support this vital security feature. Enabling 2FA raises the bar significantly for would-be hackers and serves as the last line of defense should a password end up in the wrong hands due to some other vulnerability.
Final Words
Staying safe online requires vigilance and practicing smart security habits consistently. While a determined attacker can breach even sophisticated defenses, following these tried-and-tested prevention methods makes your computer a much harder target.
By applying proper security hygiene through preventive steps, you can dramatically reduce the risk of malware compromising your device and sensitive information over time.
