How to protect your computer!
We provide some important tips for protecting yourself from malware. First of all we need to understand what Malware means.
According to online protection company, McAfee, malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service, or network. Our Cyber Security team notes that it seeks to invade, damage, or disable computers, computer systems, networks, or mobile devices, by taking partial control over a device’s operations. Like the human flu, it interferes with normal functioning.
Downloading programs, apps, or files, is the most common way to infect your device with malware. You might infect your computer or device by opening or downloading attachments or clicking on links in emails or text messages. That is why you must be vigilant when assessing where you are downloading content from. You may download a software application that looks legitimate but that is malware designed to hack your computer.
Here are the tips:
- Do not click on strange, unverified links in emails, texts, and social media messages.
- Avoid clicking on pop-up ads while browsing the internet.
- Avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders.
- Keep your software up to date. Make sure your operating system, browsers, and plugins are patched and up to date.
- Back-up your data regularly. If your files become damaged, encrypted, or otherwise inaccessible, you’ll be covered.
- Beware of downloads. Don’t download software from untrustworthy websites or peer-to-peer file transfer networks.
- Install and use anti-virus/anti-malware software. This provides an extra layer of security when you download something. You can set it up to run automatically so that files are scanned as they are downloaded. You can also set up the software to perform scheduled scans of your computer.
