Semalt: Keep Off! Evil Computer Viruses
The old adage prefers protection to cure. In the modern digital era, we rely on computers for virtually all our engagements. It just happens that our computers are targets for malicious software otherwise known as malware. This software embeds itself into the computers operating system making it difficult to uninstall or eliminate.
In this article, Alexander Peresunko, the Semalt Customer Success Manager, outlines preventive measures to ensure your computer is free from malware. They include:
Install Malware Removal Software – They allow the computer user to detect and remove all malicious types of software including spyware and adware. Malware may be free or sponsored with a variety of software options in the market such as McAfee Anti-virus software, which is pre-configured to detect and remove malicious software. However, each malware removal tool has its own strengths and weak points in dealing with diverse types of malware. Computer users should nevertheless back up their files before running malware applications to ensure no data is lost.
Restrict Unauthorized Access on Personal Computer – This is made possible by the creation of user accounts to restrict and allows access to a computer while also determining the type of activity one can perform per user account. Each computer has an administrator account which attaches privileges for activities such as software installation. Malware is effective when it infiltrates a computer system via the administrator. Aside from the administrator, all other users must log in via limited user accounts to limit the probability of malware infestation. This means that a computer system should set up user names and unique passwords for all users while also setting up unique passwords for the administrator's accounts. Such measures restrict foreign or unauthorized access to computer systems through hacking. Furthermore, administrators are advised to permanently disable guest accounts as they are entry points for hackers.
Maximize Computer System Security During Configuration – Computer system preferences allow you to control all activities and functions of the operating system. It's therefore essential you configure as many functions as possible especially those that may compromise the security of your computer system. In the Apple security window, for example, it gives configuration preferences for passwords to wake the computer, require an administrative password to access system and disable automatic login.
Regularly Update your Operating Systems and Programs – Your computer system should always have the latest patches and updates. Enable automatic updates to ensure you receive them in real time upon release. Your anti-virus and malware software must also stay up to date to ensure they can detect and eliminate viruses and other malicious software. Do not neglect your web browsers either as that may present another loophole for the entry of malware especially if you're a heavy web browser. Also, adjust your settings to disable pop-up ads as they trick users into downloading and installing malware.
Always Know What You're Installing – Any software on the queue for installation must come from reputable sources. Always read the end user license agreement for all your applications before installation and use the custom install option. This enables you to detect and weed out malware before it corrupts your computer system.