5 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Windows PC Safe from Malware

Viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits,
ransomware, spyware, and bots are among the most notorious malware that slither
through the interconnected world and attack Windows-based computers. Malware
may interfere with your computer by stealing your details, causing slow-running
PCs, and can also make the computer completely non-functional. Year in and year
out, malware developers continue with their work; therefore, it is crucial to
be alert and try to prevent a PC from getting infected.

In this blog post, we shall outline
5 important measures that you can take to decrease your likelihood of getting
infected with malware and being a victim of an attack on your Windows PC.

 1. Use an Email Filter Service to Block
Suspicious Emails

A significant amount of malware
enters systems through email, making your inbox one of the most vulnerable
entry points. Phishing emails often contain malicious links or attachments
designed to infect your PC with malware when clicked or downloaded. To avoid
falling prey to these tactics, use an email filter service that can automatically detect and block phishing
emails, spam, and other harmful messages.

The email filter service works by
having the system scan emails for any suspicious content and the likely threats
will be deleted from your email. This additional shield is very helpful in
rendering protection against ransomware and trojan malware species that are
often embedded in a fake email. First of all, by rejecting all the undesired
and suspicious emails you ensure that you minimize the chances of releasing
your system to the malware in the process of email scanning.

2.
Maintain the Version of Your Operating System and the Software

By updating your operating system
and installing software, then you will for sure protect your Windows PC from
malware. Hackers always search for an opening to penetrate your system and they
mostly use the loophole of outdated software. Microsoft and other software
providers release these security patches often enough in a bid to counter these
vulnerabilities, making certain that your PC or other devices are always
updated to the best security to counter new developments.

This should always be done or tend
to frequently visit the site for updates or turn on the update option. This
pertains not only to your operating system, but the browsers, anti-virus
programs, and any other programs that exist on your PC.

3.
Install and Maintain Reliable Antivirus Software

Antivirus software works as a shield
with which you can protect your system as it is a defence line against malware
since it scans for such programs, isolates them, and deletes them if they are
in your system. Be careful in selecting your antivirus software that should be
able to detect threats in real time, scan for suspicious files, and have
frequent updates of the malware database it is based on.

After installing the programs,
perform daily, weekly, and, at least monthly scans of your system for threats
that might have infiltrated your system. Web protection is also offered by many
anti-virus software and informs when a user tries to open a dangerous website,
further minimizing the risk of infections.

4. Do Not Download Unknown Files and Applications

Few actions are easier to do but
lead to malware penetration into your PC than downloading files and software
from sites with a doubtful reputation. Hackers usually hide a virus in
ordinary-looking files that may include cracked software, pirated video, music,
software programs, ‘free’ downloads from usually obscure sites, and others. If
it is installed then it can stealthily work in the background and can steal
important data or can corrupt system files.

Preventing this is easy; do not
download software and files from unknown sources, ‘download software and files
only from the company’s official site, or from the verified app store site. Do
not download any free software on the internet from unknown websites and do not
open any email attachments even though it was sent by your friends or
relatives. To avoid getting into trouble, it is always a must to check the
source before you download or open any file.

5.
Strengthen Your Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Human develops too weak passwords and
this is probably the reason why hackers and malware aim to infiltrate personal
accounts. A different and long password for every account increases the level
of security that will help protect
your PC or personal files from a hacker.

Furthermore, this is to encourage
the use of two-factor authentication where it is possible to avail. Two-factor
authentication provides a security measure that goes over and beyond the mere
password, by, for instance, an authorization code you get on your phone. With
the second method of identification, even if someone gets a hold of your password,
they will not be able to penetrate your account.

Conclusion

Malware is a real menace to Windows
PCs but by applying these five basic precautions, you will go a long way into
minimizing the likelihood of getting infected. Checking your email using a
filter engine, ensuring the operating system is updated, and having good
working antivirus programs are the first measures one should take to protect
his/her PC. Extending the protection against malware attacks is prevented by
refraining from unverified downloads and fortifying passwords even more. In
this way, you will be able to prevent malware threats on Windows PC and keep
your device safe and secure.