Computers are an incredible technology that is a huge part of most people’s lives. However, they are prone to viruses that could harm our files, destroy them, or steal our data, so we need to protect our laptops from hackers and viruses.
Viruses disrupt the function of a computer, and to protect your computer from this malicious software, you must put some preventive measures in place.
Here are seven ways you can protect your computer from viruses:
Install An Antivirus
There are a lot of antivirus programs available, all ranging in price and method of operation. Installing the best antivirus software is no easy task, and the best option is to download multiple antivirus programs if they each cover different security aspects.
Use A Strong Password
A password is the first line of defense. It protects your accounts from unauthorised individuals gaining access to them because if they do, they can easily steal data or place harmful content into cloud storage. A strong password should be complex, consisting of alphabets, numbers, and symbols, and should not relate to you in any way. Using similar login details for every website leaves your computer vulnerable to a virus attack.
Keep Your Software Updated
All operating systems receive frequent updates that improve their features. These updates also include security features that keep your computers safe from the latest batch of malware that hackers have developed. Before updating your PC, confirm that updates are alerted by the systems and can be installed automatically. Do not get updates from unrecognized sites because they might be hackers trying to get into the system.
Watch Suspicious Links And Downloads
If a download that you did not authorize starts, it is best that you cancel it immediately, as that might be a way through which your computer can get infected with a virus. Suppose you use an outdated browser for your downloads, you need to ensure that the security level is at least medium before you visit any website, and when visiting a website, avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Install Ad-Block
Online pop-up ads can sometimes lead to sketchy websites that steal our data and pave the way for viruses. To stop these activities, you need to download a reliable ad blocker that stops you from seeing them all together. You should also be careful when browsing the web, even if you have an active ad blocker.
Run A Virus Scan Often
As great as an antivirus, Adblock, and other preventive measures may be, there is still a probability of downloading a virus or malware unexpectedly. As a result, you must run a virus scan at least once every week to minimize the damage done by a malicious attacker.
Back Up Your PC
It is wise to occasionally back up your computer so that if a virus inevitably hits your system, your data will not be lost when the system needs to be formatted. There are three basic options for storing your backup: An external hard drive, Online storage, Cloud storage sites, such as Google Cloud which offers free storage for a reasonable amount of data.
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