Today, one of the major fears of most computer users is malware and viruses successfully finding their way into their computer. This is more so when it is a workplace computer or when they have to use sensitive information on the computer. Hence, you would want to know if the threats of viruses and malware will ever go away or if they would get worse.

Will the threats of viruses and malware ever go away?

The answer to this question is a resounding No. This is because the only way the threats of viruses and malware can ever go away is if we all dropped our phones and computers. This implies going back to the analog and manual ways we do this. Unfortunately, not only is this not feasible, but the reverse is the case. More people are regularly buying computers, learning to use computers, and introducing computers to their businesses. The implication is those bad people who use the Internet will regularly see the opportunities they can exploit from hacking people’s computers. The fact that many people know little to nothing about computer security but regularly use the computer further encourages the cybercriminals. They are sure that there are many people and even organizations that are not conversant with security and whose computer security can be easily breached.

How do viruses and malware enter a computer?

The easiest way through which viruses and malware enter a computer is through the Internet and when removable storage devices such as flash drives and compact disks (CD) are used on a computer. For removable storage to infect a computer with a virus or malware, it would mean that it has been used on a computer that is infected. Most viruses are programmed in such a way that they quickly copy themselves into any storage device that is plugged into an infected system as well as into any computer that the infected removable device is used on subsequently. Hence, we should always be careful about using removable storage devices on our computers.

Is it possible to protect yourself from viruses and malware?

Yes, it is very possible to protect yourself and make it almost impossible to be a victim of viruses and malware. Some of the major ways you can protect yourself from viruses and malware are discussed subsequently.

Get a functional antivirus

One of the best ways to protect your computer from malware and viruses is to get a functional antivirus. While you might be tempted to use a free antivirus, which works to some extent, it would be best to go for paid antivirus services. This is because free antivirus is often limited in its duties. However, when you buy an antivirus, you would be able to enjoy a high level of protection from viruses and malware that would want to infect your computer. Every file you attempt to copy to your computer or open as well as software that attempts to run either activated by you or not would be properly scanned. If the file or software contains suspicious information, the antivirus will flag it and stop it from running on your computer. If you do not have any idea of which antivirus to use, you can start by reading Shadow Defender and Malwarebytes reviews to know if any of the antivirus is reliable enough for you to use.

Only open emails and files from trusted sources

As much as possible, you should only open files and emails from sources you trust. Most people carelessly open files, and in the process, they open a file that has a virus. The virus subsequently transfers to their computer and continues to spread from there.

Scan any storage device you are putting into your computer

Your antivirus software will normally scan any removable device you plug into your computer. However, in some cases, it just does a quick scan and not a thorough scan. It is a good habit to first scan any flash drive or other removable devices that you plug into your computer before you start to use it. If the removable device has a virus, the virus will be able to identify it and treat it. Depending on the level of infection, infected files could be quarantined, healed, or deleted.

Update your software regularly

To protect your computer from viruses and malware, it is important to update your software regularly. This includes your operating system, antivirus, and other software that you use. One of the major reasons why software companies create updates is because they continually try to identify bugs and lapses that virus developers can take advantage of and fix or block those bugs or lapses. By updating them regularly, you would get the version where such security loopholes have been blocked, thereby helping you to be considerably safer while browsing the Internet or using your computer.