Protect computer network viruses

There are many antivirus programs available, all ranging in price as the level of security increases. Installing the best antivirus is no easy task, and sometimes it may be safer for us to download more than one if they each cover different security aspects. This is, however, not necessarily true, as we can carry viruses between systems on USB sticks. All computer operating systems receive frequent updates that enhance individual features.

These updates also include security measures that keep our computers safe from the latest batch of viruses and malware cooked up by hackers. We need to ensure that updates are notified or set to download and install automatically. Be warned, these installations can be time-consuming, especially if there are significant changes and security measures that change how the system handles various data. Make sure the firewall is enabled before you go online. You can also purchase a hardware firewall from companies such as Cisco, Sophos or Fortinet, depending on your broadband router, which also has a built-in firewall that protects your network.

If you have a larger business, you can purchase an additional business networking firewall. Computer viruses and malware are everywhere. Antivirus programs such as Bitdefender , Panda Free Antivirus , Malwarebytes and Avast protect your computer against unauthorized code or software that may threaten your operating system.

Viruses may have easy-to-spot effects — for example, they might slow your computer or delete key files — or they may be less conspicuous. Antivirus software plays a major role in protecting your system by detecting real-time threats to ensure your data is safe. Some advanced antivirus programs provide automatic updates, further protecting your machine from the new viruses that emerge every day. After you install an antivirus program, don't forget to use it.

Run or schedule regular virus scans to keep your computer virus-free. Spyware is a special kind of software that secretly monitors and collects personal or organizational information. It is designed to be hard to detect and difficult to remove and tends to deliver unwanted ads or search results that are intended to direct you to certain often malicious websites. Some spyware records every keystroke to gain access to passwords and other financial information.

Anti-spyware concentrates exclusively on this threat, but it is often included in major antivirus packages, like those from Webroot , McAfee and Norton. Anti-spyware packages provide real-time protection by scanning all incoming information and blocking threats. Using secure passwords is the most important way to prevent network intrusions. The more secure your passwords are, the harder it is for a hacker to invade your system. More secure often means longer and more complex.

Use a password that has at least eight characters and a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and computer symbols.

Hackers have an arsenal of tools to break short, easy passwords in minutes. Don't use recognizable words or combinations that represent birthdays or other information that can be connected to you. Don't reuse passwords, either. If you have too many passwords to remember, consider using a password manager, such as Dashlane , Sticky Password , LastPass or Password Boss.

Always install new updates to your operating systems. Most updates include security fixes that prevent hackers from accessing and exploiting your data. The same goes for apps. Today's web browsers are increasingly sophisticated, especially in privacy and security. Be sure to review your browser security settings in addition to installing all new updates.

For example, you can use your browser to prevent websites from tracking your movements, which increases your online privacy. Or, use one of these private web browsers. Beware of email messages from unknown parties, and never click on links or open attachments that accompany them. Inbox spam filters have gotten pretty good at catching the most conspicuous spam. But more sophisticated phishing emails that mimic your friends, associates and trusted businesses like your bank have become common, so keep your eyes open for anything that looks or sounds suspicious.

If your business is not already backing up your hard drive, you should begin doing so immediately. When you download and run an app from the internet, SmartScreen uses info about the app's reputation to warn you if the app isn't well-known and might be malicious. Keep Windows updated - Periodically, Microsoft releases special security updates that can help protect your PC. These updates can help prevent viruses and other malware attacks by closing possible security holes. Windows Update helps to make sure that your PC receives these updates automatically, but you may still have to restart your machine occasionally for the updates to install completely.

Use your internet browser's privacy settings - Some websites might try to use your personal info for targeted advertising, fraud, and identity theft. All modern browsers have privacy settings that you can enable to control what sites can see or do.

For more information about configuring the privacy settings in Microsoft Edge see Configure your privacy settings so they're right for you.

UAC can help keep viruses from making unwanted changes. To open UAC, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search. Enter uac in the search box, and then tap or click Change User Account Control settings.

Make sure that Tamper Protection is turned on - In Windows 10 and 11 we have a feature called Tamper Protection that prevents unauthorized apps from changing your security settings. Many viruses and malware try to disable anti-malware software or other security settings when they're installed in order to evade detection. See Prevent changes to security settings with Tamper Protection for information on how to confirm that it's turned on.

If you use more than one antivirus or antispyware program at the same time, your PC may experience decreased performance, become unstable, or restart unexpectedly. For younger children, install parental control software on devices that limits the websites kids can visit. To protect your children's future credit, consider setting up a credit freeze for your child. But remember: no software can substitute for parental supervision. Consumer information from the California Department of Justice, available at www.

Practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. Computer security resources from the non-profit Electronic Privacy Information Center. This fact sheet is for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or as policy of the State of California. If you want advice on a particular case, you should consult an attorney or other expert. The fact sheet may be copied, if 1 the meaning of the copied text is not changed or misrepresented, 2 credit is given to the California Department of Justice, and 3 all copies are distributed free of charge.

Skip to main content. Search Search. Home About. Programs See All Programs. Keep your device secure Make sure to download recommended updates from your device's manufacturer or operating system provider, especially for important software such as your internet browser.

Keep up-to-date Update your system, browser, and important apps regularly, taking advantage of automatic updating when it's available. Antivirus software Antivirus software protects your device from viruses that can destroy your data, slow down or crash your device, or allow spammers to send email through your account.

Antispyware software Spyware is software installed without your knowledge or consent that can monitor your online activities and collect personal information while you're online.

Firewalls A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that blocks hackers from entering and using your computer. Use strong protection Making use of complex passwords and strong methods of authentication can help keep your personal information secure.

Choose strong passwords Protect your devices and accounts from intruders by choosing passwords that are hard to guess. Use stronger authentication Many social media, email, and financial accounts allow the use of stronger authentication methods. Protect your private information While checking email, visiting websites, posting to social media, or shopping, pay attention to where you click and who you give your information to. Be careful what you click Phishing attacks—where hackers send seemingly genuine messages to trick you to hand over personal information—are becoming more sophisticated.

Shop safely When shopping online, check out the website before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Be careful what you share Social media allows sharing of all aspects of life, but it's important to control who has access to the information you share. Responding to data breaches Even if you make all the right moves, your data may be stolen from a company you trusted to keep it safe.