Virus, Spyware & Malware Prevention

Preventive measures and a little knowledge of how malware works can help you avoid infecting your computer, protecting your identity, privacy and checking account. Unlike biological bugs, computer malware almost always depend on the end user to get installed. Here are ways to prevent being duped into hitting the OK button.

Take the following steps to help prevent infection on your system:

• Enable a firewall on your computer.
• Get the latest computer updates for all your installed software.
• Use up-to-date antivirus software.
• Use caution when opening attachments and accepting file transfers.
• Use caution when clicking on links to Web pages.
• Avoid downloading pirated software.
• Protect yourself against social engineering attacks.
• Use strong passwords.

Use up-to-date antivirus software

Microsoft Security Essentials is the free one from Microsoft.

Use strong passwords

Attackers may try to gain access to your Windows account by guessing your password. It is therefore important that you use a strong password – one that cannot be easily guessed by an attacker. A strong password is one that has at least 8 characters, and combines letters, numbers, and symbols.