Getting hit with a computer virus can turn your entire world upside down, particularly if the virus in question constitutes ransomware or another substantial cyber threat. Even if you only contract a minor bug, getting your computer back to 100% is liable to prove incredibly cumbersome. Unsurprisingly, in the wake of contracting a computer virus, many of us prioritize preventing a reoccurrence. Fortunately, keeping additional viruses off your computer doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Putting the following tips to good use will help keep computer viruses at bay and provide you with tremendous peace of mind.
Equip Your PC with Dedicated Antivirus Software
Installing dedicated antivirus software is among the most effective ways to prevent future infections. Some people think that the antivirus components present in most operating systems can serve as a substitute for dedicated software, but this line of thinking is mistaken. While the aforementioned components can certainly be a boon to your cybersecurity efforts, they should work in tandem with dedicated software, not function as an alternative to it. So, if your computer is currently bereft of dependable antivirus software, make a point of correcting this mistake posthaste.
In your search for the right antivirus software, keep an eye out for programs that offer protection from a wide array of digital dangers and provide users with patches and update files on a consistent basis. Additionally, keep in mind that comprehensive ransomware protection is particularly important. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options, consult various tech publications and consumer review websites to determine which programs are best suited to your unique needs.
Update, Update, Update
Installing patches and update files for various applications should feature heavily into your cybersecurity efforts. This is because virus developers are adept at exploiting security loopholes in applications and operating systems, thus facilitating the need for patches. The longer you wait to install these patches, the more vulnerable your PC will be to virus infection. As such, the next time you’re presented with an update notification from an application or your operating system, place whatever you’re doing on the backburner and install the update file(s) forthwith. Sure, this can be mildly inconvenient – particularly with heavy-duty system updates – but if you get hit with another virus, you’re going to wish you took a few minutes to install pertinent updates when you had the chance. To help ensure that updates aren’t placed on indefinite hold because of procrastination on your part, simply enable automatic updates for your operating system and applications.
Exercise Caution While Browsing
Unsafe browsing habits can dramatically increase your risk of infection. On the flipside, exercising basic caution while surfing the web can set the stage for lasting safety. For starters, abstain from visiting websites that generate security warnings from your browser, operating system or dedicated antivirus software. Furthermore, be wary of sites that lack a secure socket layer (SSL) certificate. An SSL certificate indicates a secure connection between data servers and browsers, which is particularly important for websites that require users to provide personal information. Additionally, the padlock icon located to the left of the web address indicates that your connection to the site has not been intercepted.
Use an Ad Blocker
Ad blocker usage is another staple of smart browsing habits. Ads are common delivery vessels for viruses, and in some cases, you needn’t even click on them for the viruses contained therein to infect your computer. For this reason, make sure your browser is outfitted with a dependable ad blocker. If your browser’s onboard ad blocker doesn’t provide sufficient protection, there are numerous third-party blockers that are capable of getting the job done.
Few things are more frustrating than finding yourself on the receiving end of a hard-hitting computer virus. Depending on the severity of the virus. returning your computer to full efficiency and successfully scrubbing it of all traces of infection can be a long and costly procedure. That being the case, it’s hardly surprising that in the wake of a serious infection, many virus victims go out of their way to avoid a repeat of the situation. In the interest of preventing virus recurrences and keeping other cyberthreats at bay, put the previously discussed steps to good use.
