Viruses and malware attacks are on the rise. Just one virus can negatively affect your ability to properly operate your computer. In addition to slowing down or disabling your computer, viruses can open the door for other, more damaging attacks. It’s important you do all you can to avoid this type of situation.
Viruses Commonly Spread Through Email
Email is the most common vector for virus delivery. Typically, computer viruses come in the form of an email attachment. The sender may appear to be a source you can trust. Once opened, the virus quickly infects your computer, affecting files and/or the speed of your system. Certain viruses may even spread to other computers in your network.
Individuals and businesses both large and small can fall victim to email attacks. While not all attacks can be avoided, learning what to look for can go a long way towards preventing the chance of viruses getting through. Never open suspicious emails or attachments. Instead of clicking links in emails, always type the correct web address into the search engine. This helps avoid phishing scams, where the attacker attempts to steal login information.
If you own a business, you’ll want to make sure that all of your staff knows how to spot suspicious emails. In addition to training, you might want to set rules about updates. Staff should run updates the moment they become available.
Prevent Viruses With Quality Anti-Virus Software
One of the easiest ways to prevent viruses and malware is to install quality anti-virus software. Newer software is constantly updated to include protection against a wide range of attacks. This is your best line of defense.
It’s important to note that anti-virus software must be updated regularly to provide adequate protection. Make sure that you always run updates when prompted. Missing just one update leaves you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
If your computer is infected with viruses or malware, we can help. We have years of experience removing viruses and ensuring computers are safe and protected. We can help clean your computer and recover from an attack. Please contact us for more information.