Protection from computer viruses

Protection from computer viruses

7 easy steps to protect your computer against viruses

With the recent news of the Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker viruses heading our way we should all be more cautious than ever about our online security.

With the ability to find and steal any financial data found on your computer or internet cache and the ability to encrypt any of your personal files and hold them ransom we should all consider the best ways to protect our personal information from any dangerous viruses and worms.

But don’t panic! We at Painting Pixels have put together a very simple guide to help you keep your computer safe!

Step 1: Keep your operating systems updated

Occasional security updates can really help prevent any kind of computer attack or viruses. If possible try to turn on your operating systems automatic updates. Click here on how to upgrade to Windows 8 and click here to upgrade your Mac OS to OS X Mavericks (currently available for free).

Step 2: Turn on your internet browsers Privacy settings

This will help overall by stopping people from accessing your private information and help prevent any unwanted advertising as well as identity theft and fraud.

Step 3: Turn on/download a good ad-blocker

Let’s be honest pop-ups and ads are just plain annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Possibly containing malicious content or un-safe code; an ad-blocker will stop them from ever appearing.
Internet Explorer has a pop-up blocker turned on by default, but you can find a brilliant pop-up blocker for Chrome and Safari users here and one for Firefox users here.

Step 4: Don’t open suspicious emails

This is one of the primary ways the Game Over Zeus and CryptoLocker can infect your system and can spread just by opening an attachment or link. If an email is from an un-known sender or in general seems suspicious: be on the safe side and don’t open any attachments.

Step 5: Clear your Internet History and your Internet Cache

You’d be surprised at how much of your private information is stored on your browser’s cache and history, all of which can be very easily accessed if a virus does infect your computer. Be safe; as long as your know all of your login and password information then your cache doesn’t need to.

Step 6: Download a Firewall

Blocks most forms of malware from viruses, worms and any malicious content hackers may try to download to your system.
One of the very best Firewall software for Windows can be found here and a fantastic Firewall for Mac users here.

Step 7: Install an Antivirus program

Last but by no means least! You should download yourself a good Antivirus program. They can scan any emails you receive, any files you download and your whole overall operating system for any malicious content and prevent them from being opened accidently or infecting your computer. They are also frequently updated to help guard against any new kinds of computer viruses out there.

Windows users can download a free Microsoft antivirus software here or buy an excellent third-party one here. The best-suggested antivirus software for Mac users is MacKeeper which can be found here whilst the alternative Intego’s Mac Internet Security is also very well recommended, which can be found here.

And there you have it! Follow these simple instructions and you can continue on your daily life free of any dangerous content invading your computer.We all have important information stored digitally so it is equally important that we all try to keep it safe.

Thanks for taking the time to give this guide a read, be sure to share it with your friends, family and colleagues to help us all keep a little bit safer!!

Now that you know how to stay safe in the digital world, why not enhance your company image on the digital world with a clean, safe, professionally built bespoke website? by using our Website Design Service. Or contact us today on 01473857860 or email us at info@paintingpixels.co.uk for a free consultation. 

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