BEST PRACTICES TO AVOID MALWARE, VIRUS, AND THREATS
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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.
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.
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