10 Tips To prevent Malware Threats

 

Easy tips you can apply to prevent a Malware threat on your PC.

1. Shared USB, Hard Disks, Floppy Disks:

If you are sharing a USB, hard-disks or floppy disks, always think about the security threat. Try your best to avoid using shared disks. But if you do not have any other choice, scan and check for viruses before opening the disk. Double clicking on the drive will open the disk and potentially allow the virus to infect your PC. So just a single right click on the drive and then select your anti-virus program to scan for malware first.

2. Do not open emails from un-trusted sources:

Email attachments can bring often bring you unwanted malware. So do not open attachments from un-trusted sources (if you don’t know the person, it’s probably malware). Delete the attachment without opening it. Definitely do not open .exe files (this is most likely a malware program and opening it will install it on your system). If you have to open an excel attachment, disable macros before opening the file.

3. Use a good antivirus program:

Install a good antivirus program. Sometimes your antivirus program will not be able to detect certain threats (experts suggest a new threat is created every 5 minutes). So it’s highly recommended to use at least one other trusted anti-spyware program if possible. Your antivirus program should be updated regularly (everyday you are online).

4. Download from secure source:

Do not download software from just any site. Check whether the download site is secure.

5. Security Updates:

Check for security updates, news from the software you have installed.  You may have installed some software which you believe to be trusted. But don’t just close you eyes and assume it’s all good. Check for security updates. If the software needs a patch, get it as soon as possible.

6. Operating System Update:

Download and update your Operating System security patches. All Microsoft Operating Systems have regular security updates… Check often and get them all.

7. Sharing folders:

Do not share folders unless you absolutely need to do this. Scan everything first, before opening it.

8. Visiting websites:

Do not visit un-trusted websites. Always check security warning issued by Google, your web browser or your antivirus program before visiting a site.
If you are visiting a site through Google, you will get a malware warning.

9. Search for virus patches:

If your antivirus program is able identify but unable to fix or remove a certain virus, search the web for a trusted patch or instructions to remove that particular threat (you’ll need to pay attention to the name of the threat or malware and search specifically for removal help for that threat.

10. Shared Network:

If one computer on your network gets infected, remove the infected PC from the network to prevent it infecting others. Only reconnect it after removing the threat.