Computer users who have not done a thing on their computers in months or are new to the internet have a lot to worry about. The Question How to protect your computer from malware? is quite common.
Cyber crooks have taken advantage of the tech-savvy age, and malware threats are worsening every day. The US Department of Justice estimated in 2015 that cybercrime cost the global economy $445 billion every year, and cyberattacks could cost consumers $5,789 each.
How to keep your kids safe from online threats
So how can you protect yourself online?
First and foremost, double-check your Windows 10 security settings. In a separate Security Research Lab survey of 1,650 PC users, 77 percent of respondents said they have never updated their Microsoft operating system’s security settings to include a new setting that prevents all third-party apps from accessing your system.
Microsoft recommends that its users protect their devices from online threats by ensuring their operating systems have strong security protocols and that the apps and programs they install do not contain malware.
Check that Windows updates are up to date and that you have default security settings and firewall settings in place. And make sure to always download legitimate apps from trusted sites and don’t download from shady websites.
Just because you have a security update for your devices doesn’t mean you’re safe from threats. As the FBI says, if an update doesn’t fix a problem, you might want to move on to a new device or computer.
Check your browsers
Some browsers have options that help users protect themselves from online threats. Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome allow users to scan the web for malware. That way, they can see if any suspicious websites or browser plugins have malicious code installed.
Here’s how to scan a web page for viruses and other malware on Google Chrome:
Open a new tab, or the tab you’re on, and copy the address of the website you want to scan into your address bar. (You’ll need to download and install the add-on Browsing for Virus Removal to find this feature.) Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del command at the same time until the URL appears. Search for the word “virus” in the window that pops up, and then click on “Run Scan.” The browser will run through the site, looking for viruses.
Keep all your software updated.
In the same way that malware on your browser can be harmful, so can malware on your desktop or laptop operating system or even your smartphone.
Triage security software to see which options are the most effective for you.
Microsoft’s Windows Defender is available for free for Windows 10 users and for those who use Windows 7 and 8.1, and you can upgrade it for $39.99 per year.
The free version is not enough, so you should definitely consider Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, a subscription-based service that offers more functionality, including alerts about threats, a protection console that you can access from the Microsoft Security Response Center, and a cloud console that offers more advanced features.
Visit Microsoft’s website and sign up for a free trial.
Apple’s free antivirus software can be downloaded for free, as is Avast Free Antivirus for Mac or Bitdefender Free Antivirus for Mac.
Elsewhere, Microsoft’s products include:
Windows 10
Windows Defender Internet Security
Microsoft Security Essentials
Windows Defender Antivirus
Windows 10 Creators Update will provide additional tools to combat threats. One of these tools is called Windows Defender Security Center. Here’s how to find the Security Center:
Go to Settings > System > About.
Select Software.
How to protect your computer from malware?
Click on Windows Defender Security Center to see what’s included in this update.
For another layer of security, many Windows 10 users choose to enroll in Microsoft’s Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, which monitors applications installed on your computer and notifies you of any vulnerabilities. I try to explain to you How to protect your computer from malware?
Don’t forget about that privacy setting on Facebook.
For Facebook and other social media apps that use your private data, your best defense is to opt out of sharing any sensitive information.
To change your settings on Facebook, log into your account.
Under the “Facebook and other apps” section, click on the arrow to see Settings.
Click the down arrow next to Apps to see the list of apps.
Click the Edit button next to Apps You’ve Using.
Choose the apps you want to disable access.
Next, click the Review Your Options button.
You can go even further and download the Data Downloader for Windows 7 or 8 to see what information the Windows 10 operating system is accessing.
More from Mashable:
How to adjust your Facebook privacy settings and block third-party apps from accessing your account
Facebook is over your data usage and will now charge you for overage
The secrets are hidden inside 20,000 text files that show Facebook made a ton of money selling people’s data. Now, How to protect your computer from malware? is not difficult for you.
Hope You know the answer Now: How to protect your computer from malware?