Welcome Turk Hack Team Members, in this article we'll talk about How to Prevent Computer Viruses.
Do you think those basic security features on your computer are enough to provide protection from malware?
Think again.
2018 was the year of the mega-breach in malware attacks, affecting big businesses like Facebook, Quora, and Marriott. In fact, the number of records compromised increased by 133% from 2017.
If it can happen to billion-dollar businesses, it can happen to you too. As the number of security cyber threats grows, you must know how to prevent computer viruses.
In this post, well reveal 9 vital tips to protect your computer from cyber-attacks. Read on to learn moreyour personal and business security depends on it!
1. Use Strong Passwords
Lets start with the basicsyour passwords.
The most commonly used passwords in the cyber world are also the worst. As of 2018, the top 3 passwords in use were:
123456
password
123456789
And people wonder why we have security breaches everywhere?
Keep your data safe by creating unique, complex passwords. The best passwords include a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols and are at least 8 characters long.
While were on the topic, avoıd using the same username and password combination across multiple sites. If a hacker can access just one site, youve left the door wide open to the rest of your data.
2. Keep Everything up to Date
Another basic step to take is to make sure you have the latest versions of all software installed on your devices.
Why is this so important? Because software updates include features designed to withstand the latest security threats. Microsoft, Oracle, and other makers regularly update their software to eliminate bugs that hackers could exploit.
If youre operating a system from 3 years ago, its defenseless against any viruses or malware developed in the interim. Make it a habit to install all new software updates as soon as they become available.
3. Use Antivirus Software
Next up on our list of how to prevent computer viruses isno surprise hereantivirus software.
Antivirus software acts as a vaccine against virtual viruses. It can identify and eliminate the threat before you were even aware of it.
Microsoft Security Essentials and Avast are both free antivirus programs you can install. Theres also a host of paid options, although experts debate whether the extra cost is really worth it.
4. Use a Firewall
Using antivirus programs doesnt automatically mean you have a firewall.
Macs and PCs both come with pre-installed firewall software. Make sure its enabled to provide an extra layer of protection from viruses and malware.
5. Install a Popup Blocker
Many attacks happen through browsers, as youre going about your daily online routine. Hackers can gain access to your computer from one innocent click on the wrong ad or link.
An ad or popup blocker is essential to protecting your computers data. It will prevent any unwanted pages from opening automatically.
Never click on, open, or download anything unless you know exactly who its from. This is especially important with emails, which is our next topic.
6. Beware of Email Phishing Scams
32% of reported security breaches begin with a phishing scam.
These appear in email form under the guise of a legitimate company. The goal is to get you to either enter personal information or click on an infected link that allows access to your computer.
Any legitimate company will have its own domain name for emails. If an email address claims to be from Paypal or Netflix but ends with gmail.com, its a scam.
Other signs include misspellings, poor grammar, and suspicious attachments, buttons, or links. A legitimate company will never invite you via email to log in and provide personal or billing information
Heres a good rule to live byif in doubt, dont click on it!
7. Educate Your Family & Staff
Most cyber-attacks happen through an innocent action by an uninformed person.
This could be a member of your family, a child, or an employee who isnt aware of smart internet practices.
If you have any doubts about anyone who uses your computer, take a few moments to teach them the basics. Review a few points from this post, such as not opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources.
A few moments of education could mean the difference between cyberattack success or failure.
8. Know the Signs of Infection
Despite your best efforts, computer viruses can still happen.
Do you know how to identify a virus on your computer? Here are a few things to watch for:
Any of these signs could mean your computer is infected. If you see more than one of these signs, you almost surely have a virus.
Make sure all your software is updated and then perform a scan. You can also search online forums for users who have similar issues and see how they were able to solve them.
9. Consider Additional Security Features
At the very least, you should perform weekly or even daily backups of all important data. Store it securely in the cloud or on a separate hard drive.
That way, if you do accidentally get a virus, your vital information wont be lost or compromised.
For extra protection, you might also consider advanced security measures like endpoint security. This protects not just your computer but your network as a whole.
How to Prevent Computer Viruses: Now You Know
So, how can you protect your computer from viruses?
Much of the defense starts with you. Use antivirus software and keep your programs and software up to date. You should also be proactive with firewalls, popup blockers, and strong passwords.
Of course, the more your business grows, the more you have to lose. These basic precautions for how to prevent computer viruses are a start, but will they be enough? It's all up to you.
//Quoted
Do you think those basic security features on your computer are enough to provide protection from malware?
Think again.
2018 was the year of the mega-breach in malware attacks, affecting big businesses like Facebook, Quora, and Marriott. In fact, the number of records compromised increased by 133% from 2017.
If it can happen to billion-dollar businesses, it can happen to you too. As the number of security cyber threats grows, you must know how to prevent computer viruses.
In this post, well reveal 9 vital tips to protect your computer from cyber-attacks. Read on to learn moreyour personal and business security depends on it!
1. Use Strong Passwords
Lets start with the basicsyour passwords.
The most commonly used passwords in the cyber world are also the worst. As of 2018, the top 3 passwords in use were:
123456
password
123456789
And people wonder why we have security breaches everywhere?
Keep your data safe by creating unique, complex passwords. The best passwords include a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols and are at least 8 characters long.
While were on the topic, avoıd using the same username and password combination across multiple sites. If a hacker can access just one site, youve left the door wide open to the rest of your data.
2. Keep Everything up to Date
Another basic step to take is to make sure you have the latest versions of all software installed on your devices.
Why is this so important? Because software updates include features designed to withstand the latest security threats. Microsoft, Oracle, and other makers regularly update their software to eliminate bugs that hackers could exploit.
If youre operating a system from 3 years ago, its defenseless against any viruses or malware developed in the interim. Make it a habit to install all new software updates as soon as they become available.
3. Use Antivirus Software
Next up on our list of how to prevent computer viruses isno surprise hereantivirus software.
Antivirus software acts as a vaccine against virtual viruses. It can identify and eliminate the threat before you were even aware of it.
Microsoft Security Essentials and Avast are both free antivirus programs you can install. Theres also a host of paid options, although experts debate whether the extra cost is really worth it.
4. Use a Firewall
Using antivirus programs doesnt automatically mean you have a firewall.
Macs and PCs both come with pre-installed firewall software. Make sure its enabled to provide an extra layer of protection from viruses and malware.
5. Install a Popup Blocker
Many attacks happen through browsers, as youre going about your daily online routine. Hackers can gain access to your computer from one innocent click on the wrong ad or link.
An ad or popup blocker is essential to protecting your computers data. It will prevent any unwanted pages from opening automatically.
Never click on, open, or download anything unless you know exactly who its from. This is especially important with emails, which is our next topic.
6. Beware of Email Phishing Scams
32% of reported security breaches begin with a phishing scam.
These appear in email form under the guise of a legitimate company. The goal is to get you to either enter personal information or click on an infected link that allows access to your computer.
Any legitimate company will have its own domain name for emails. If an email address claims to be from Paypal or Netflix but ends with gmail.com, its a scam.
Other signs include misspellings, poor grammar, and suspicious attachments, buttons, or links. A legitimate company will never invite you via email to log in and provide personal or billing information
Heres a good rule to live byif in doubt, dont click on it!
7. Educate Your Family & Staff
Most cyber-attacks happen through an innocent action by an uninformed person.
This could be a member of your family, a child, or an employee who isnt aware of smart internet practices.
If you have any doubts about anyone who uses your computer, take a few moments to teach them the basics. Review a few points from this post, such as not opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources.
A few moments of education could mean the difference between cyberattack success or failure.
8. Know the Signs of Infection
Despite your best efforts, computer viruses can still happen.
Do you know how to identify a virus on your computer? Here are a few things to watch for:
- Repeated error messages
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Computer suddenly slows down
- Takes too long to shut down or restart
- New toolbars you didnt install
- Changes to your homepage
- Rapidly draining battery
Any of these signs could mean your computer is infected. If you see more than one of these signs, you almost surely have a virus.
Make sure all your software is updated and then perform a scan. You can also search online forums for users who have similar issues and see how they were able to solve them.
9. Consider Additional Security Features
At the very least, you should perform weekly or even daily backups of all important data. Store it securely in the cloud or on a separate hard drive.
That way, if you do accidentally get a virus, your vital information wont be lost or compromised.
For extra protection, you might also consider advanced security measures like endpoint security. This protects not just your computer but your network as a whole.
How to Prevent Computer Viruses: Now You Know
So, how can you protect your computer from viruses?
Much of the defense starts with you. Use antivirus software and keep your programs and software up to date. You should also be proactive with firewalls, popup blockers, and strong passwords.
Of course, the more your business grows, the more you have to lose. These basic precautions for how to prevent computer viruses are a start, but will they be enough? It's all up to you.
//Quoted
