Protect Your PC from Malware – 5 Simple Steps

Technology is an exceptional tool in our lives. Our smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs are all marvelous inventions of technology. However, technology can also be disrupted using other technological practices. These practices fall under the actions of hacking. Spreading viruses and hacking into personal computers have gained quite the momentum over the years.

Using some simple precautionary steps, we can protect our PCs from malware. It is important to protect them because important and useful data can be lost. Viruses can make a computer go haywire and you never know if your data can be restored upon its repair.

5 Simple Steps to Prevent Malware

Here are few steps that can help you protect your PC from malware and your data will have less chance of being compromised:

Update the Windows

Those frequent Windows Updates messages seem annoying to many. However, they are for your benefit. Spending a few minutes on updates can save you from quite the tension of losing your data. Each new update not only offers new features and elimination of certain functioning bugs but the latest protection as well.

Antivirus Software

Windows does come with its inbuilt defender against certain malware but for frequent and heavy PC users, it is not sufficient. Therefore, it is recommended to disable this defender. Instead, install anti-virus software. There are many available in the market. You can install free versions but they don’t offer full capacity protection like the premium versions. If you use your PC a lot or your needs are more elaborate, a premium version is suggested.

Firewall

If you are using an internet connection, install a firewall.  You can ask your ISP to provide you with a firewall service and you can support it by running the local software firewall as well. The firewall will protect you against online threats and prevent frequent attacks on your PC.

Malware Scanner

Antivirus software come equipped with a scanner but some don’t have the ability to prevent all types of viruses. You can also install a malware scanner separately if your current antivirus does not offer this service. A regular scan on the PC can give you piece of mind and in case you detect a virus, you can find a solution before it wrecks havoc on your computer data.

Be PC Smart

The above-mentioned steps are just about tools that can protect you. However, the best way is to nip the evil in the bud. Your actions while using the PC and surfing online can greatly protect you from or expose you to the lurking malware.  Don’t click on links in the emails that are not authenticated or you don’t trust. Never download files from websites without repute. After downloading them, scan them for viruses. Don’t be too open about your personal information on the internet. Use the privacy settings to ensure you have less risk of being targeted.

Threats to your PC can be greatly reduced if you are cautious.