10 Computer Virus Solutions

Having to deal with computer virus is one frustrating experience no one wants to have. There’s an increasing security breach with popular social sites so there’s a need to take security measures against computer virus. So, how can you identify virus on your system? Here’s what you should look out for:

  •  When your computer becomes slow.
  • Your computer suddenly shuts down.
  • Files becomes corrupted.
    Sudden disappearance of files and
  • programs.
  • Display of strange images or messages on computer screen.
  • Repeated error messages.

If you observe any or more than one of the above signs, there’s a likelihood that your computer is infected. So, how can you deal with these viruses? Here are 10 ways to tackle computer virus.

1. Install Antivirus or Malware Software

There’s a wide range of antivirus software to choose from. This is a must-have program to help secure and keep your computer virus free.

Yes, most PC comes with inbuilt protection provided by default security apps but these are no where as efficient and effective as the paid versions of the program.

Considering the level of damage caused by viruses, it’s best you invest in a reliable and quality antivirus software for your device.

2. Update Your Antivirus Software Regularly

Installing a protection program is important, maintaining it is also essential for the smooth running of your computer.

Due to the popularity of social media sites, there’s been an increase in the way viruses spread so it’s expedient you update your antimalware application from time to time.

Research has shown that over 350,000 new viruses are formed daily. So, there’s a need to make updates a routine.

Set automatic updates and daily scans for your applications.

3. Ensure Your Operating System is Current

Irrespective of the type of operating system you’re using, ensure it’s up to date. OS developers always issue security fixes and patches which helps to protect your system.

Apple, Google and Microsoft have inbuilt security apps which help to fix recognized vulnerabilities and check for threats and act on them.

4. Perform Daily Scans

Daily scan of your PC reduce infections to the barest minimum.

Allowing full, daily scans of your system’s complete hard drive adds an extra layer of protection thus helping to detect, isolate and remove threats that narrowly escaped the action of security software.

Scanning may take time, depending on the number of files on your PC. Once completed, you’ll get to know the actual file that is infected or corrupted.

5. Use Strong Passwords

From email to social media platforms, the importance of strong passwords cannot be overemphasized.

In 2018, a study was conducted and it was discovered that the most used passwords were 123456, password and 123456789. Little wonder why accounts are hacked.

Never use your maiden name, birth date and easy phrases as passwords. Create unique, complex passwords using combination of numbers, symbols, letters and special characters.

Want strong passwords? Make sure your passwords are at least 8 characters long. Never use same password across multiple accounts and sites.

Don’t make it easy for your account to be hacked.

6. Use a Firewall

Antivirus programs can’t be substituted for firewalls.

Enable firewall to protect your computer from a wide range of threats, viruses, worms, malicious network traffic and other issues.

Though most Macs and PCs have pre-installed firewall software, they aren’t strong enough to fight off threats when connected to the internet.

Ensure all internet-connected computers are protected by a reliable hardware-based firewall.

7. Secure Your Network

Most times, we connect our computers to the internet through Wi-Fi connection.

Ensure your network is password protected and WPA or WPA2 encrypted. It’s best not to publicise your SSID ( name of Wi-Fi network).

8. Avoid Clicking Email links or Attachments

Be wary of links and attachments you click on. Many of them are often corrupted and may carry viruses and malware.

Never click on spam, delete immediately without opening it. Before you download a file or click on email attachments, be sure you scan for viruses.

Email phishing scams are on the increase. The aim of email phisphers is to gain access to your personal information.

Email phisphing scams can take the form of bank mails. Ensure you check with your bank before clicking link in an unsolicited email.

Note: Every legitimate company has its domain name for emails. Check for misspellings, suspicious attachments poor grammar or links. This might be infected.

9. Keep Personal Information Private

Once a hacker gets hold of your personal information, they can easily access your online account and even impersonate you.

Be careful not to divulge personal details over social media. Use the most effective privacy settings for your social media accounts.

10. Disable Autorun

One feature of viruses is that they replicate themselves. They’re capable of attaching themselves to a drive and installing themselves automatically.

This means that anytime an external drive is in use, the virus enables autorun and causes an automatic circulation of threats.

Disable Windows autorun to stop the spread of virus. Follow Microsoft’s recommendations to disable autorun feature.

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