Five ways to prevent the common computer virus
If you go out in the cold without a coat, you will catch a cold. At least, that is what my mother always said. I continue to pass the same sage advice on to my children. Most people today agree that this is an old wives tale, and that being cold will not make you catch a cold, but most agree that there are things you can do to avoid a common cold or virus.
The same is true with your computer. There are certain things you can do to avoid catching a computer virus. Antivirus software will help prevent many viruses or at least detect and clean them, but you are much better off if you can avoid situations that expose you to viruses to begin with.
Here are five things that will help keep your computer virus free.
1. Beware of email attachments
If you receive an email attachment, do not open it unless you are certain that it came from a person you trust and you are sure it does not contain anything malicious. Email attachments from bad actors contain Trojans, which are a type of virus that you install for your attacker when you open the attachment. With email attachments it is always best to start by distrusting it and then figuring out if you can trust it.
2. Do not trust email that tells you to do something
If an email from a business tells you to do something, such as to log in or to click on a link, stop and ask yourself if you have any actual business with that company. If not, you can safely delete the email without taking action. Even if you do business with the company, do not click on any of the links in the email, but rather open your web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari), and log in normally, without using the email links. These emails may attempt to take over your computer or simply to steal your login information for your bank and other web sites.
3. Stop installing gadgets and widgets and other free software.
Some of the malware that compromises a computer is from software that you download for “free” from the Internet. There are all sorts of new, fun, helpful gadgets, tools, and games that seem really neat, but they often install extra software that slows down your computer or even takes control of it. If you see new toolbars, icons, or other gadgets that you did not install, they may have come along for the ride with your “free” software.
4. Reconsider using insecure networks
Connecting your computer to an insecure network exposes you to direct attacks from viruses known as worms. Worms scan computer networks to find vulnerable computers. If the worm finds one, it infects it and use it to continue its conquests. This keeps the worm moving from computer to computer. Before connecting to a network, ask yourself who else is connected to it and if your computer is directly exposed on the Internet without a firewall. Do not connect to a network if you are not sure about its security settings.
5. Avoid file sharing
Peer-to-peer file sharing is another source of viruses. Like some of the viruses above, these are viruses that you invite into your computer. If you use peer-to-peer file sharing to download music, videos, games, or other information you put yourself at legal risk for piracy, and you put your computer at serious risk to Trojans and other malware that can take over your computer.
The bottom line is… install the best antivirus software, AND avoid situations that put your computer, your privacy, and your personal information at risk. Taken together, these tips will prevent the common computer virus.
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