BEST PRACTICES TO AVOID MALWARE, VIRUS, AND THREATS

Introduction

Whether you are accessing the Internet at home, at work, or at school, you should always take online safety seriously. Falling victim to scams, viruses, Trojans, malware, adware, and countless other problems is very easy to do, even if you know the risks.

Stay safe while following few basic rules. This guide covers the main risk areas and how to improve your personal cyber security when and where you access the Internet.

Use Antivirus Software

New viruses are released every day, and the best way to protect yourself is to use reliable antivirus software on your computer.

Antivirus software is constantly updated to protect your computer from the latest threats as they arise, and should be considered essential every time you go online.

It does more than protect your computer from viruses and malware. Depending on the product you use, it can also protect your privacy, prevent you from visiting unsafe websites, help you locate a lost device, and provide secure online storage.

What About Smartphones and Tablets?

The risks of virus and malware to devices are growing. As mobile devices become increasingly important to access the Internet, the temptation of criminals to attack them grows.

Today you can buy virus protection for your phone and tablet, as well as for your computer.

Be especially careful when downloading applications. Mobile and tablet apps are popular because they are so easy to use.

But while the apps in the Apple app store are generally safe because Apple controls the apps, the situation is different for Android devices. Always make sure to download original apps and read the reviews before downloading for any warning signs.

Keeping Your Online Accounts Safe

Viruses and malware are a true threat, and antivirus software is a must. However, many hackers and criminals believe the weakest link to urge what they want: human error.

The actions you take, or don't take, online can put you at risk, so it's important to follow safe online practices.

Passwords are one among the most important problem areas for everyday Internet users. Hackers can often crack passwords that are too basic, allowing them to access your personal accounts. To reduce the danger of this happening to you:

·       Use a different password for all your accounts

·       Make your passwords as long as possible

·       Don't use a password which will be easily guessed

·       Make your passwords completely random

·       Use a selection of letters, numbers, and symbols.

·       Never reveal your password to anyone.

The problem with doing all of this is that it makes passwords harder to remember, and this is where a password manager comes in.

Two of the best administrators are 1Password and LastPass, and these will store all your passwords securely and allow you to access them with a master password. This is one of the simplest ways to make sure your passwords are as strong as possible.

Password Protect Your Devices

On the subject of passwords, be sure to password protect your computers, phones, and tablets. It may take a bit longer to access them, but the added security is well worth it.

Then if someone steals your device, they won't be able to access your online accounts and personal information, giving you the opportunity to change your passwords and keep your online accounts safe.

Use 2-Step Verification Wherever Possible

Another step you can take to protect your accounts is to use two-step verification. Also called two-factor authentication (2FA). Many services now offer this, so use it whenever it is available.

To use 2-Step Verification, you will generally need to provide the business with your cell phone number. When you enter your password online from a device for the first time, the company will send you a text message containing a code.

Then insert the code to gain access to your account. This prevents anyone from accessing your account unless they also have access to your phone, making it much more secure.

Google provides a detailed guide to its two-step verification process that you can read here.

Be Careful With Email

Emails are another area where you need to be cautious. Attachments in emails are a common way of transmitting viruses, and phishing emails can allow criminals to capture your banking details and steal other personal information.

Make sure you have a powerful anti-spam feature in place, and don't even open spam unless you think it's from someone you know and has been mistakenly sent to your spam folder.

Never download attachments unless you are absolutely sure the email is from someone you trust. Anti-virus software can often scan attachments for viruses in case someone you trust has mistakenly sent you an infected file.

Phishing emails are fake emails designed to seem real. The most common scam is sending you an email claiming to be from your bank asking you to visit the website and enter your details.

When you click on the link, you're sent to a fake website, which might look exactly like your bank's site. You are then asked to log in with your username and password, and this is where the criminals steal your password and other secure details.

Real banks never send emails asking for your password information, so be very careful when you receive such an email. Always visit your bank's website from a new tab and type your address instead of clicking a link in an email.

Conclusion

Using the best antivirus software is the simple solution to stay safe from all the threats, viruses, and malware which we can keep away from our devices and keep our data safe and secure.