How Can You Prevent a Computer From the Attack Of Viruses

Internet is a place where unlimited informations and resources are available, even though they are generally considered safe and secure for a user there are still many security concerns. All over the world there are cyber attackers and hackers who tries to infect your system. The easiest way for them to enter your system is from a cyber attack from a code known as the Malware. 

Malware is a dangerous piece of software that is capable enough to damage your computer and steal your personal informations. There are various types of Malwares known as the Viruses, Spyware, Ransomware, Trojan horses and worms. Most of us would have atleast once in our lifetime may have dealt with them, sure that would be frustrating and time wasting. Computers may show various signs and signals that something is wrong, one such symptom is sudden slowdown in performace. 

Software developers takes measures to remove them but all that goes temporarily, because the hackers are also equally smart to counter them as they come up with even advanced codes. There is a saying in medical world that '' Prevention is better than cure '' , same applies here. By taking simple measures you can easily prevent these Malware attacks. 

Throughout the post I will be discussing on How Can You Prevent a Computer From the Attack Of Viruses. With these 8 tips / ways you can easily protect your system from getting Malware attacks. 

Let's move to the topic,

1. Avoid Popup Advertisements

Eventhough there are many trustworthy advertising networks that displays legitimate popup ads, Malware attackers may setup malicious popup ads to trick users. They can come in various forms from Free software installations, surveys to spoof websites. These can be dangerous because they are intended to steal your private informations. 

There is no specific type of Malware causing these threats because in general most of the malware types are capable enough to display popup ads. If you encounter one of them never click on these, simply close them or use your browser feature which enables blocking popup ads.

2. Enable Firewall Protection

Microsoft Windows and Mac OS operating systems comes with a built in protection known as the Firewall. If your OS doesn't posses one you can use free third party firewall applications like Glasswire, Tinywall, Zonealarm for this purpose. 

Firewall will act as a layer of protection between a computer and the internet. And also they will determine the safest and the dangerous network, when a network that seems to be a threat comes over the Firewall will immediately block them. Generally Firewall is enabled on default in Windows OS, if it isn't you can manually turn them On.

For manually enabling Firewall Protection,

         1. Press Windows + X key.
         2. From the Menu select Control Panel.
         3. Select System and Security.
         4. Choose Windows Firewall.
         5. Make sure Windows Firewall is turned on.
         6. Press Ok.

3. Protect Your Network Connection

Most of us would be using Wifi or Mobile data to access the internet. Wifi is one of the most trusted network connections which comes in the form of a router. Eventhough router manufacturers provide password protections for getting rid of cyber attacks, hackers nowadays have found an easy way to get through.

They may change the DNS servers in your router such that it is always directed to a Malicious website. For an example when you visit a social media site it will be directing to an unknown site with the same web address. For simply getting rid of this use a long strong enough password with the characters words, letters and symbols. And other method may include Turning off UPnP, enabling firmware updates, disabling remote access and using WPA / WPA2 encryptions.

4. Avoid Malicious Websites

Be aware when you visit an unknown website. Hackers may have setup Malicious websites to trick users to download Malware applications. These kinds of websites does not need the permission from the user for downloading and installing them, in some cases they will ask your permission for installing them. For an example if you tried to access a electrical site they will show all the electrical related applications. Their ultimate goal is to make the user download and install them so that the Malware may start its operations. 

It will be not be hard for a user to identify a spoof website, they can do it easily by looking at the URL. Next time when you suspect a website suspecious look at the URL in the address bar if its a Malicious website they can contain numbers in the address and they may not contain popular domains like .com, .net, and .edu.

5. Avoid Using Free Public Wifi

You can find Free Public Wifi spots in popular places like the Restaurants, Bus stops, Shopping malls and Airports. While it may seem a good idea to use their free data, in the other hand you may be getting closer to the hackers. The same features that makes the public wifi unique goes against it, that is no authentication is required. Many public wifi networks provide no authentication or a password to establish connections, the hackers may use this oppurtunity to access the internet which leads to hacking of all the devices connected through the respective network. So whatever the information you provide though the network will also be provides to the hacker. 

In this process hackers may also plant a Malware, which can come in various forms throughout the network, most will be in the form of advertisements. So it is always recommended to avoid free public wifi especially from unknown sources. If you are in a emergency state of using a Public Wifi always connect them through a VPN service.

6. Install An Anti Virus Software

This is the most trusted and effective way of preventing against Malwares.Windows Operating System comes with a built in Anti Virus program known as the Windows defender which can block Malwares from various source including softwares, emails and popup ads. 

If you want to be protected from Malware completely try purchaing an Anti Virus software from popular companies. There are many reputed companies that provide Anti Virus programs such as Avast, Kaspersky, Eset and AVG. After installing them run frequent scans and do not forget to update them regularly to identify new types of threats.

7. Avoid Emails From Unknown Sources

Emails are one of the popular ways in which attackers may spread out their Malware codes. An Email Virus usually comes in the form of a link or an attachment. It may stay inactive while it is in the inbox once the user clicks and downloads them, they will be activated and start infecting your system. 

The worst case is that after infecting your system it can be sending to the people on your contact list there on the email with a spam message. The people on your contact list may be thinking it is a normal email from you and click opens it which will also drive them to Malware attacks. So always avoid emails from unknown sources, even if you find a suspicious email from the people you know never open it. A decent Anti Virus program will do this job done by scanning all the incoming mails. 

8. Backup Your Important Files

It is always safe to be ready for a worst scenario. One of the most adverse effects of Malware attacks are the data losses. Imagine a situation that you are attacked by a Malware and all of your important files including your privacy details are lost, in this case you will not be able to retrieve it as you have not taken the necessary actions earlier. So always take regular backup of your important files through External Hard drive, USB flash drive, DVD / CD drive or from the Cloud services.