3 Tips on Avoiding and Removing Malicious Software
You notice your computer is suddenly sluggish. Annoying pop-up ads are ruining your browsing experience. Maybe your computer is frequently freezing or crashing. Your computer might be infected with malicious software. All is not lost, however, as steps can be taken to restore your computer to its previously healthy state. Here are 3 tips on avoiding and removing malicious software.
Install antivirus and malware software
A plethora of both free and paid software exists to help protect your computer from hostile and unwanted software. The function of these programs is to compare files on your computer to known malicious software in their database.
Antivirus and anti-malware programs will perform background scans of any file you open in order to determine if the file is safe or not. If malicious software slips through this background check or already exists in your files prior to installation of an antivirus or anti-malware program, a full system scan can be initiated. A full system scan will search through all of your system’s files for malicious software and warn you of their presence.
Along with the identification of viruses and malware, these programs offer simple and easy removal of unwanted software and files.
Don’t trust unsolicited email links
One common method used to sneak malicious software onto your computer is through attachments to an unassuming email. If you receive an email with a link or an attached file from any source that you don’t know, don’t trust it. Many email clients will scan for malicious attachments and provide a warning if malicious software is detected. If your email client warns you that an attachment may be malicious, do not ignore it.
Avoid unsafe sites and sources
The most effective way to keep your computer virus and malware free are to avoid downloading files from unsafe sources and to refrain from visiting unsafe websites. You are the first line of defense against malicious software.
To learn more about protecting your computer from malicious software, please Contact Us today.