How to Protect Your Computer from Malicious Software

Malicious software, called malware, is a broad category of dangerous programs that spread from one computer to another. These programs are known as worms, viruses, Trojan horse programs, rootkits, and backdoors, and can do irreparable damage to a computer system or an entire network. Malware comes in a wide variety of forms, ranging from spyware, which annoys users with pop-up ads and browser redirection activity, to ransomware. Other forms of malware include trojans and backdoor programs that enable a computer to be controlled by a remote user. These may form botnets, which are used to disrupt other computers or networks, or perform other nefarious activities. Preventing a malware infection is very difficult and there is no known guaranteed foolproof solution for this threat. By observing some basic computer safety rules, however, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of becoming the victim of a malware infection.

Install Updates

All computer operating systems are vulnerable to infections by malware, because writers of these malicious programs are always updating their software to adapt. This means that computer users will need to keep their systems up-to-date with the latest updates and patches that the operating system vendor releases. It is especially important to install security-related updates as soon as they are made available. The same rule applies for any installed anti-virus software and firewalls, vendors of these programs will also release updates to adapt to new threats spreading through cyberspace.

Utilize Antivirus Software

An operating system without up-to-date antivirus software is extremely vulnerable to infection. An antivirus program operates like an immune system for a computer and is always scanning the memory and hard drive for potential hazards. Whenever a user downloads or runs a program, the antivirus software checks to see if it contains a virus or other forms of malware. Some antivirus packages also scan emails and webpages for malicious code. A firewall is another defense that complements antivirus software. Firewalls serve to prevent unauthorized programs from leaking personal information or other types of data from the computer onto the network, as well as preventing the computer from downloading potential malware. Computers without firewalls or antivirus defenses can suffer an infection within 30 seconds after going online.

Don’t Open Suspicious Attachments

Email is a potential vector for malware to infect a computer. Even emails from friends and family may contain dangerous file attachments, as they may not realize that their computer is infected. If a file attachment contains a program of any sort or an attachment that is not expected, a user should not open it. Unwanted commercial email, or spam, should never be opened or looked at, and should be deleted right away. Always avoid emails that include links to untrusted websites. If at all possible, install a spam filter and an email malware checker to filter out potentially dangerous emails while they’re being downloaded.

Back Up Files

Due to the fact that malware is always evolving to adapt to computer security techniques and software, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate computer infections. Furthermore, antivirus programs and email spam filters are known to fail to catch some already existing threats. Because malware can get past the best defenses and most up to date software, computer users should routinely backup their data to minimize the risk of data loss. This is especially important in the age of ransomware, which is designed to lock up a user’s data behind a secret decryption key; which they then must pay a high sum of money to unlock. When doing a backup, start first with the most important data, such as work-related or hobby-related information and personal information, and store it on a device that does not remain connected to the computer when the backup is complete.

Mobile Devices

Cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are an increasingly popular target for malicious software infections. This is because so many people use these computers to store important messages, as well as pictures, video and personal information. As with personal computers, mobile device users should never download software, or apps, that are not trusted, or that do not come from a trusted app stores. If the program has few ratings or bad reviews, postpone or avoid downloading it altogether. Look over the permissions that the program is asking for, research the maker of the app, and never enable the “developer mode” on a mobile device or try to jailbreak it. Keep the device’s firmware up to date and install an anti-virus package as well.

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