The Internet is an important part of our lives, and many of us use it frequently throughout the day. But such use has increased the risk of virus and malware infection, which can lead to the loss of important data and identity theft. Every internet user should know how to avoid viruses and what to look for. Here is a guide for internet users, equipped with knowledge on how to avoid and spread internet viruses, it can protect not only yourself but also other users you come into contact with on the internet.
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Part 1 of 4: Browsing Safely
Step 1. Avoid random clicks
There are thousands of ads in the form of banners and popups on the internet that are designed to grab your attention and make you click on them. There are only a few possibilities that you can catch a virus online, unless you click on it yourself. This means that you should as much as possible not click on banners or attractive offers that appear.
Make sure that your browser is configured to always prompt before opening data and downloading automatically. You yourself must provide confirmation, so it is less susceptible to viruses
Step 2. Be careful with pop-ups
Some pop-ups on the internet are designed to look like trusted antivirus software. These pop-ups usually trick the user by saying that their antivirus software has found a virus. When you click on the popup, the adware is actually installed.
- Instead of clicking on the warning that appears, it's better to just close the popup window and open the antivirus program on your computer. You will not see similar warnings again. If you are still worried, do a review on the computer with the software you have.
- Don't click the “X” to close the pop up window, as this will usually lead you to another popup. Instead, use Task Manager to close it.
- Other pop-ups can say that the virus they find can only be removed with the software they have. No antivirus company will advertise their products like this, so avoid clicking on these types of pop-ups.
- Check to make sure that your browser is configured to block pop-ups.
Step 3. Clear your cache
Pop-ups can store information in your browser cache, and result in a higher occurrence rate. To avoid this, clear your browser cache regularly.
Step 4. Consider having another browser
If you use Internet Explorer or an older browser such as Netscape or Safari for Windows, then you are more exposed to risk. Browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are much more secure than older browsers, and much easier to customize. Firefox, for example, has a wider array of personal settings and security settings add-ons that can protect you online.
If you don't want to change browsers, then make sure that your browser is up to date to help avoid viruses
Step 5. Don't open pages that you shouldn't
Viruses are very illegal, and they are on illegal sites too. Avoid sites that make you download copyrighted content and other illegal communities. Data sharing is the fastest way of data infection process. You will find that your computer tends to be more difficult to infect if you avoid doing so.
Apart from viruses that come from the data you download, many sites contain a lot of annoying pop-ups and trapping ads. All of these can lead to virus and spyware infections
Part 2 of 4: Managing Downloaded Data
Step 1. You have to be selective with the data to be downloaded
There are programs available for almost anything you can think of, but ask yourself if you really need to download them. Do a little research; You'll find out if you already have other programs that can do the same. Downloading additional programs in every task you perform can increase the chances of downloading something harmful.
Step 2. Download from trusted locations only
If you download a program or software, it is highly recommended to download it from the creator's site. Many services provide their own download managers, which can infect your browser with adware.
Downloading illegal data always gives the possibility of a virus. If possible, download it from a trusted source to reduce the chances of getting a virus
Step 3. View the data connection
The problematic data has connections that can fool you, such as ".txt.vb" or ".jpg.exe". Windows often masks data connections in order to browse your data and programs. Multiple connections take advantage of this by hiding the second, the dangerous one. If you don't normally see the connection on your computer and it suddenly appears like it's been downloaded, you may have downloaded malicious data hidden somewhere else.
To make the data connection visible, open Windows Explorer, click the View tab/menu and select Options. Click the View tab in Folder Options, and uncheck the "Hide extensions for known file types" box
Step 4. Check the data you have downloaded
If you have an antivirus program, set it to always check all data that you download from unknown locations.
- Always check the ZIP data as there are usually multiple files in one archive.
- Email programs will often check email data automatically, but you should also keep checking the data you download with an antivirus program.
Step 5. Don't open anything you don't trust
Step 6. Read the license agreement
You know some legal documents that you usually agree to immediately before installing a program? Some untrusted companies use it because many people skip this step and install spyware and malicious software right away. Make sure you read them, especially from companies you've never heard of before.
Part 3 of 4: Setting Up Email
Step 1. Don't download attachments from sources you don't know
Email attachments are the main way to spread viruses and malware. Never click on attachments or links in emails from people you don't know if you're unsure of the sender, get confirmation from them that the attachment can be trusted.
Step 2. Don't download attachments except from sources you trust, unless you really want the data yourself
Many people get viruses from the emails they get. This means that you can receive email from trusted sources even if the message content is untrustworthy. If it's written in a weird way or the attachment isn't clear, don't click on it. Verify with the person who sent the attachment.
Step 3. Disable image preview
Many email applications automatically display images, but doing so can be dangerous, because images can contain malicious code. Download images from trusted email sources.
Note: some services have started to change the image display system, so that it can display images more securely. For example, Gmail no longer displays images. Check with your email provider for their services regarding image display
Step 4. Be wary of strange emails from companies you do business with
The most popular scam technique is to mimic the style of a corporate email and include a link that looks the same as a regular URL, but usually leads you to a fake site (eg typing “povver” instead of “power). This site may collect personal data even if you are on a trusted server.
A trusted company will never ask for your passwords or personal information via email
Part 4 of 4: Protecting Yourself
Step 1. Install an antivirus program
An antivirus program will actively protect your computer from viruses by checking for active programs and running deep system-wide checks on a regular basis. There are some free antivirus programs, usually with basic protection, such as AVG, Bitdefender, and Avast, and some paid ones that come with internet protection such as firewalls and anti-phishing. Paid programs such as Norton, Kaspersky, for example.
- Install only one antivirus to avoid conflicts between two programs.
- Make sure the antivirus is always updated at least once a week.
- Check your computer at least once a week, or do it more often if you use the internet more.
- An antivirus program is not a system that will completely keep you away from viruses, so stick to good browsing habits.
Step 2. Install an anti-spyware program
Not only viruses, your computer can also be exposed to spyware and adware. These programs are difficult to destroy and often hijack your browsing experience. They also make your computer more susceptible to infection. Most antivirus programs do not check for or remove spyware and adware.
- Popular programs include Malwarebytes Spybot S&D, HitmanPro, and Adw Cleaner.
- You can have several anti-spyware programs at the same time. More programs means the more likely you are to be deterred from spyware.
Step 3. Enable the firewall
Firewall software protects your network, which is the gateway to the internet that allows data to be sent and received. Windows that has been equipped and has the firewall turned on, is more robust and resistant to viruses.
- Firewalls are also available in hardware form.
- You can only activate one firewall at a time. If you have a software or hard firewall installed, you must turn off your Windows firewall.
Step 4. Many viruses and malicious programs attack Windows software
This can quickly hit Microsoft, and updates are only available for genuine Windows. If you don't update Windows, the system is more easily exposed. To make sure you stay awake, make sure Windows is always updated automatically.
If you are using Windows XP, update it immediately. The Windows XP renewal will expire on April 8, 2014. This means any damage that occurs after that date cannot be repaired, and Windows XP becomes very insecure. For more information see the article on updating to Windows 7, and updating to Windows 8
Step 5. Be careful with USB
USBs are notoriously prone to transmitting viruses, usually without further attention from the owner. You could get a virus just by inserting a USB into the drive, or you could get a virus by plugging a USB into a public computer. Use other methods of sharing the data, such as using online or just emailing the data.
Step 6. Beware of foreign access
Foreign access is becoming more popular. While this kind of access is good for productivity, it also puts your machine at risk. Ask yourself if you really need the foreign connection, and make sure your protection software is up to date as well.
Step 7. Keep backup data
If something goes wrong, you don't want to lose important data, do you? Always update your backup data regularly to prevent further damage from viruses, and it can also help your computer run faster. There are many ways you can do to save backup data either locally from your computer or by using other access.
Tips
- Keep the latest backup data. This will be useful if you have a virus that deletes your data, or prevents you from accessing it.
- Keep in mind: if the data looks malicious, it may actually be malicious.
- Clear your temporary browser data every day.
- If you want to fix a simple error like a blue screen/new screen, turn off the computer and turn it on again after 10 seconds.
