20 Ways to Keep Your Computer Safe from Viruses and Malware

With increased reliance on technology in our daily lives, it is crucial to keep our devices safe from viruses and malware. These malicious programs can wreak havoc on our computer systems, leading to data loss, identity theft, and financial damage. Here are 20 ways to keep your computer safe from viruses and malware:

1. Install Quality Antivirus Software

• Purchase and install a reputable antivirus software program that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware.
• Ensure that the software is updated regularly to safeguard against the latest threats.
• Perform regular scans of your computer to detect and remove any malicious programs.
• Consider using software that offers additional protection, such as a built-in firewall or anti-phishing technology.

2. Keep Your Operating System Up-to-Date

• Regularly check for updates to your computer’s operating system (OS) to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
• Enable automatic updates to ensure that your OS is always up-to-date without having to remember to manually check for updates.
• Consider upgrading to a newer version of the OS if your current version is no longer supported, as unsupported software is more vulnerable to attacks.

3. Avoid Suspicious Websites

• Avoid visiting suspicious websites, particularly those that offer free downloads, as they may contain malware.
• Be wary of pop-ups or ads that claim to offer free downloads or software updates, as these may be attempts to install malware on your computer.
• Use a web browser with built-in security features, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, that can flag dangerous websites and prevent downloads from untrusted sources.

4. Be Cautious of Email Attachments

• Be cautious of email attachments, particularly those from unknown senders or that ask you to enable macros or scripts.
• Do not download or open attachments that you were not expecting or that seem suspicious, as they may contain malware.
• Enable your email client’s spam filter to automatically detect and remove potentially dangerous emails before they reach your inbox.

5. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

• Use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts and ensure that they are not used on multiple sites.
• A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords and help you manage multiple accounts.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your online accounts to provide an extra layer of security.
• 2FA requires a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, in addition to your password to access your account.
• Check which of your online accounts support 2FA and enable it wherever possible.

7. Keep Your Firewall Enabled

• Ensure that your computer’s firewall is enabled to prevent unauthorized access to your system.
• Configure your firewall to only allow traffic from trusted sources and to block incoming requests from unknown or suspicious IP addresses.

8. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online privacy.
• A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your computer and the internet, preventing hackers and other prying eyes from intercepting your data.
• Choose a reputable VPN provider that does not log your internet activity or traffic.

9. Be Careful with Portable Devices

• Be careful when inserting portable devices, such as USB thumb drives, into your computer as they may contain viruses or malware.
• Scan any new devices with your antivirus software before opening or copying any files.
• Avoid sharing devices between computers without scanning them first.

10. Beware of Social Engineering Attacks

• Beware of social engineering attacks, which involve the use of deception to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages that ask for personal information, such as passwords or credit card details.
• Do not click on links or download attachments in suspicious messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.

11. Regularly Backup Your Data

• Regularly backup your data to protect against data loss in the event of a virus or malware attack.
• Make backups of important files and store them in a secure location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or physical backup device.
• Consider using a backup tool that automatically syncs your files across multiple devices.

12. Disable Automatic Running of Scripts

• Disable the automatic running of scripts in your web browser to prevent malicious scripts from executing without your knowledge.
• Configure your browser to prompt you before running any scripts and only allow them to execute if you trust the source.

13. Regularly Delete Unnecessary Files

• Regularly delete unnecessary files on your computer to free up disk space and reduce the risk of malware infections.
• Remove temporary files, browser history, and cached data that may contain sensitive information or be used to track your online activity.
• Use a disk cleanup tool to automate the process of deleting unnecessary files.

14. Set User Permissions Carefully

• Set user permissions carefully to limit access to sensitive files and programs on your computer.
• Ensure that only trusted users have administrative privileges, which provide unrestricted access to your computer’s system files and settings.
• Create separate user accounts for multiple users of the same computer to prevent unauthorized access to each other’s files and data.

15. Educate Yourself and Your Users

• Educate yourself and any other users of your computer about the risks of viruses and malware.
• Inform them of the steps they can take to keep their devices safe, such as avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments.
• Encourage them to use strong and unique passwords and enable 2FA on their online accounts.

16. Keep Your Browser Up-to-Date

• Regularly check for updates to your web browser to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
• Enable automatic updates to ensure that your browser is always up-to-date without having to remember to manually check for updates.
• Consider using a browser extension that blocks ads and other potential sources of malware.

17. Use Encryption

• Use encryption to secure sensitive files and communications on your computer.
• Encrypt any data that is sent or received over the internet, such as email messages or online banking transactions.
• Use tools such as VeraCrypt or BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive or create encrypted folders on your computer.

18. Keep Your Applications Updated

• Regularly check for updates to the applications installed on your computer, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat, to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
• Enable automatic updates wherever possible to ensure that your applications are always up-to-date.
• Uninstall any applications that you no longer use to reduce the risk of malware infections.

19. Use a Password-Protected Screen Saver

• Use a password-protected screen saver to prevent unauthorized access to your computer when it is idle.
• Configure your screen saver to activate after a few minutes of inactivity and require a password to reactivate your computer.

20. Monitor Your System for Suspicious Behavior

• Monitor your computer system for any unusual activity or behavior that may indicate a virus or malware infection.
• Look for signs such as slowed performance, unfamiliar programs or browser extensions, changed settings, or unexpected pop-ups or error messages.
• If you suspect that your computer is infected with malware, immediately disconnect from the internet and run a full scan with your antivirus software.

Table of Antivirus Software Ratings

Antivirus	Price	Rating
Norton Antivirus	$39.99/year	4.5/5
McAfee Antivirus Plus	$34.99/year	4/5
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus	$29.99/year	4.5/5
Kaspersky Antivirus	$29.99/year	4/5

FAQ

What is Malware?

Malware is an umbrella term for any malicious software program designed to harm a computer system, steal sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to a network. Common types of malware include viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, in addition to your password to access an online account. This provides an extra layer of security against unauthorized access to your accounts.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a security tool that monitors and regulates incoming and outgoing network traffic on a computer system or network. It can block unauthorized access to your system and prevent the spread of malware.

What is Encryption?

Encryption is the process of converting information into a secret code that can only be read by someone who has the key to decrypt it. This can be used to secure sensitive files and communications, such as email messages or online banking transactions, against interception by hackers or other unauthorized parties.

Kesimpulan

Keeping your computer safe from viruses and malware requires a combination of tools, practices, and awareness. Installing quality antivirus software, keeping your operating system and applications updated, and avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments are essential steps to protecting your computer system. Using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and encrypting your data can also enhance your security. Additionally, monitoring your system for suspicious behavior and regularly backing up your data can help you recover from a virus or malware attack. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can keep your computer safe from the many threats that exist in today’s digital world.