Are you experiencing a slow speed on your computer from the last few days?
When we start experiencing such issues, the first thought strikes to our mind is the ‘virus’ which is commonly possible. But many of us are not aware of the specific type of infection which your computer might be suffering as Malware.
There are many providers in the market like ZoneAlarm which offer a reliable solution to prevent your computer from malware like ransomware, cryptojacking and SMS Phishing etc. There are easy-to-follow 7 steps which any user is recommended to follow to protect their computer from malicious software:
- Invest in Trusted Antivirus and Malware Software
While many people use their tablets, computer and even smartphone without any malware detection software, others rely on the free antivirus protections which are not as reliable as they are expected to be. Most of the free anti-virus software are Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and installed with a kind of spyware.
It is very important to invest in quality antivirus software to prevent cryptojacking and hijacking of your device.
- Be cautious using browser
It is important to avoid the websites with the pirated materials as these are expected to be loaded with the malware. Any email attachment from the unknown source should not be opened. It could be a part of the phishing scam. Any file you wish to download should be scanned properly. A report suggests, more than 18 million websites are infected with malware.
By looking at the secured icon which is left on URL, you can easily identify if the website procures SSL certificate.
- Never ignore the monitor settings and regular scan configurations
Almost 27% of personal computers in America are not protected with the antivirus software. And once installed, it is equally important to manage it upfront. Although the software runs in the background, it is very important to set it up at an automatic scan to check periodically to analyze if the software is working up to the mark or not.
In case, if the performance of your computer slows down tremendously after running a scan, it is recommended to run it when the computer is expected to be ideal. If you continue to use the old operating system and ignore the system updates to the newer version, the computer is highly at the risk of being malware-infected.
- Always choose the Secured Networks only
Sending information via public networks with the widespread if wireless technology has posed a serious threat to computer protection. Hackers keep a diligent eye on the unprotected internet traffic and we generally connect our computers with the array of devices as printers and files.
It is recommended to use a virtual private network (VPN) having strong encryption while using the local wi-fi network. Also, avoid broadcasting your SSID and change the passwords periodically.
- Keep your information ‘personal’
As most of the data is kept online and the trend of digital companies is surging with every passing year, it is important to maintain online safety to avoid any misuse. While filing a digital form, you are asked to provide your emali id, passwords, usernames and other confidential information which can be used by any hacker.
There are many online businesses with policies of GDPR to ensure extended security for your data. Keep your profile restricted on your various social media platforms to avoid any personal information misuse.
Conclusion
We can conclude the indispensable role of malware in the technological advancement of today. Make sure, to not to click everything you see on the internet, because it may infect your computer with virus and drastically pull down the performance of your device. With a large number of free malware protection software available, the paid versions with advanced facilities are still preferred.