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As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the number of cyberattacks and cybersecurity breaches also rise each year. It’s important to be proactive in preventing these incidents as they can cause serious harm to your business or personal information. One way to do this is by making sure you are taking the necessary precautions-updated antivirus software, strong passwords, and cautious behavior online. In this article, we will discuss some top tips on how to prevent viruses from destroying your computer.
Update Regularly
First and foremost, update antivirus software regularly. Hackers are constantly attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in your security software or computer by creating malicious software that can steal your information. Updating the signature definitions of your antivirus software is crucial for keeping this type of malicious activity at bay. Make it a habit to check for updates every time you boot up your computer. If you don’t update, you will lose valuable protection against new viruses and other types of malware. Once you download an update, install it immediately to stay protected against all current threats without any delay.
Upgrade Your System
Upgrading to the latest version of Windows is another step in preventing viruses from destroying your computer. Security patches that fix known issues significantly decrease the chances that hackers will exploit these bugs in order to install malware onto your device. Always keep Windows up-to-date by upgrading when new patches are released. If you do not, you will be using an operating system that is far more susceptible to attack than one that has the most recent security updates installed on it.
Use Unique Passwords
One of the quickest and easiest ways for hackers to gain access to sensitive information is by successfully guessing your password. No matter what type of account you have (work email, social media, etc.), make sure that your passwords are complex enough that they cannot be easily guessed or cracked through brute force. It is recommended that each password contain at least twelve characters which include numbers, symbols, upper and lowercase letters, and ideally some capital and lowercase letters thrown in for good measure. These types of complex passwords create a unique key that hackers cannot access without considerable time and effort dedicated to breaking them down.
Never Give Personal Information To Strangers
Whenever you are communicating with someone through email or over the phone, it is important to double-check that they are who they say they are. If you receive an email from your bank asking for personal information, make sure you verify their identity before sending anything away. It’s also a good idea to make sure the communication is sent using an encrypted connection like HTTPS which creates a secure link between both parties’ browsers and prevents others from accessing any transferred data. If someone does request this type of information from you, call the company directly on a number that you know to be genuine and ask them whether or not they have made this request. If the caller you are speaking with is someone posing as a representative, they will most likely hang up in order to avoid being caught.
Communication Is Key
When is it time to call in the professionals? If your device is infected by malware or ransomware and begins displaying strange pop-ups, it’s important to contact a tech support service for help getting rid of any harmful files and preventing them from coming back. These types of infections can cause serious problems on your end and prevent you from accessing anything on your computer without triggering more security threats. To get rid of these threats once and for all, make sure the tech support company you choose is reputable enough to provide services such as virus removal, data protection, and general maintenance. This will ensure that your computer remains working like new even after the removal of harmful software.
Be Cautious When Using Public WiFi
Some of the most devastating security breaches originate from free public WiFi connections. You never quite know who is on the other end, so avoid providing any personal information over unsecured WiFi connections if you can. You are much safer using your cellular data instead of a connection that you do not know the origins of. If you must use public WiFi, make sure to use a VPN that encrypts all data shared on any given network and prevents it from being intercepted by any outside parties while in transit.
As our reliance on technology grows, so does the number of cyberattacks and cybersecurity breaches. It’s important to be proactive in preventing these incidents from happening as they can cause serious harm to your business or personal information. Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions such as updated antivirus software, strong passwords, and cautious behavior online.
