Today, the world we live in can pose a significant security threat for us. This is because people are now exposing their personal information to a great extent. Cybercriminals have come up with many ways to exploit our sensitive data, of which malware is widespread.
Malware is defined as a set of malicious programs spread over the internet to exploit users’ data by infecting their operating system. Malware can perform all kinds of actions such as deleting data, modifying the device’s functionality to track user behavior, or identify theft. It can take an acceptable route into the system when the users click on any malicious links or download or any compromised programs.
The older devices or devices running on an unlicensed version are more prone to a virus. In this article, we have lined up few tips on how to protect your computer from malware, so let’s have a look at measures that can save your device;
Update your apps and operating system regularly
When you avoid system updates, it paves the way for hackers who can easily spot issues in older versions of software and take advantage of them to hack your system. For instance, once Apple’s team realized that cybercriminals are utilizing the vulnerabilities of the iOS 14.3 version to harm the devices with malware, the companies encouraged its users to update the latest version at their earliest.
Secure your device with antivirus
The ideal way to guard your devices against viruses is by installing good antivirus software like Windows Defender or Avast. It helps in blocking the malware, and in case a virus enters the computer, the antivirus program can remove it safely. Moreover, if a virus harms your device without you taking note of it, a regular run of antivirus scans can prevent your device from the damaged.
Download apps on trustworthy and reliable websites
Malware can enter your devices through websites that claim to sell legitimate software. Therefore, it’s better to get apps from reliable stores like Google Play or Apple Store.
These big brands travel the extra mile to ensure that the software you are downloading is safe, and they have designed appropriate security policies for such purposes that hackers cannot access.
To check if an app is safe to download, you can have more info by clicking on their contacts and name with a list of their previously published apps.
Be alert with emails from unknown senders.
Here, the rule of thumb states never to open links that come with emails from senders that you don’t know. Those links can either link you to malicious sites or may ask you for confidential information. Many people are aware of such acts, but most users still catch a virus from emails that include an attachment or any link. To avoid such issues, it is better to ignore these emails.
Back up your valuable data
Some viruses can encrypt your data and damage it. Therefore, when your backup your files, make sure you have an extra copy safe elsewhere that you can access quickly and restore if needed.
If your device is infected, you can simply format the disk, reinstall the operating system and then refresh the lost data. Options of backup include an online backup service, external hard drive, or cloud storage. You can either transfer data to iCloud or Google Drive and in this way; your files will be safe.
Use Google Safe Browsing
It is better to check your website before opening it to see if it’s a malicious one. Google’s technology or safe browsing scans nearly billions of websites daily to see any unsafe ones. This feature can help you to check particular websites for malicious content. All you have to do is copy and paste the URL in a search box and then receive a safety report on the website that you want to visit.
Lastly, the security of your device is in your own hands. It is easy to protect your computer from this malware so to stay on the safe side, it is better to follow the rules below:
· Avoid opening links within unwanted emails
· Install good antivirus software to avoid computer virus infection issues
· Download applications from reliable stores
· Run updates regularly on your programs and operating system
· Use Google Safe Browsing to study unknown websites
· Use external storages or cloud to backup your data