Malware is a type of software installed by a variety of means on the computer either by USB, Email Download or remotely, etc. It steals information from your computer through the backdoor channel. Hackers usually plant Malware keeping in focus their financial objectives.
There are so many stories and news circulating that the computer of prominent leaders, artists, or high-profile Executives has been hacked while asking for Secret Information, Bitcoin, Cash Transfer, etc. Yes. This is Malware or a new type also called Ransomware.
Such types of software are easily downloadable from infected computers or websites. For example. You take your USB to an internet cafe and not knowingly Malware gets copied on your USB from the Cafe's infected PC and later on gets transferred to your Home PC. |After a couple of days, an unknown email comes to you and asks for 1000 USD, otherwise your personal browsing activity would be shared with your family members.
I am sure alarm bells must be ringing after reading the above information. But don't worry, there are always ways to protect your computer/laptop from getting infected by Malware and Viruses.
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Ways to Safeguard your PC/Laptop from Malware/Viruses
Windows Updates:
Genuine Windows Operating Systems regularly release Security Updates capable of fighting against new Viruses and Malware created by Hackers. And it is seen that PCs update and optimized with the latest updates tend to fight effectively against intrusions. Therefore, you must make sure your PC/Laptop Windows updates are regularly updated.
Use Firefox for Financial Transactions:
I always prefer Chrome Browser due to its speedy browsing. However, one's it comes to secured Banking Transactions, my preference is Mozilla Firefox. Historically, Firefox browser has been a top performer when it comes to protection against Malware and Viruses.
Be careful in using USB on other PC/Laptops:
This is very important as most of the Malware gets installed on your PC once you use the infected USB back on your Home Computer. In case you have used it on another PC, then before accessing any file on USB from your computer, you must clean any suspected Malware by using Microsoft Safety Scanner. Download. And it's FREE.
Be very careful while browsing suspicious Websites:
You can never know which website is going to have Malware scripts installed, and any file you will download can trigger that software. However, we can still safeguard our Computers by having stringent security policies implemented on the default browser. Both Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have enhanced protection options available.
Downloaded Email Attachments :
Email attachments are one of the highly used modes of sending infected files to the host computers. Once the file attached is downloaded after failing to get scanned and filtered by your Email Server or the locally installed Anti Virus, then the only way is to remove that malware or the virus from your PC.
How to Remove Malware/Viruses from your PC/Laptop
There is a variety of software available, some FREE and some with Premium Editions. I will be explaining only the FREE edition software that can help you get your PC/Laptop cleaned of Intruders or Malware.
Microsoft Safety Scanner
It's been quite a while since 2011, Microsoft Safety Scanner has been cleaning Millions of Computers thus getting rid of Malicious Software and Viruses. Malware is automatically loaded into the computer's memory once the PC/system boots. Therefore, it is advisable to first boot your computer in Safe Mode and then run the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Download
Once you have downloaded the software as it's a stand-alone file and does not install itself in the system, therefore it is easy to delete after the successful completion of the task. Point to Remember: Whenever you want to run this file, always download the new version of Microsoft Safety Scanner and Run it in Safe Mode always.
Conclusion
Every day new viruses, trojans, and malware are flushing the internet world creating trouble. I believe in prevention and is better than cure. Take care of your PC/Laptop, Tablet, or Mobile Phone. It would take care of your time and valuable resources.
