See How to Check for Updates for Windows 10 and How to Check for and Install Updates on a Mac Computer for help updating your computer.
Microsoft Defender (Already installed on Windows 8 and 10) Norton McAfee MalwareBytes
Windows Defender Browser Protection (Google Chrome only) Norton extensions McAfee WebAdvisor Malwarebytes Browser Guard
Make sure your browser is configured to always ask before running files and downloading automatically. If you have to confirm everything, you are much less likely to get infected.
Instead of clicking the warning, close the pop-up window and open the antivirus program on your computer. You most likely will not see any warnings. If you are still worried, run a scan using your installed software. Don’t try clicking the “X” to close the pop-up window, as this will usually lead to more pop-ups. Instead, use the Task Manager to get rid of it. Alternatively, you can install and use an adblocker to prevent ads appearing in the first place. [3] X Research source Other pop-ups may warn of an infection that only their software can fix. No legitimate antivirus company will advertise their product this way, so avoid clicking on any of these pop-ups. Check to ensure that your browser is configured to block pop-ups.
Besides viruses from files you download, many of these sites will have a litany of annoying pop-ups and misleading advertisements. All of these could lead to virus and spyware infection.
On Windows 10, you can enable warnings or even block the download or installation of desktop apps. Mac will warn you when installing apps from outside the App Store.
Some email services offer link protection. Don’t rely on it, but use it as a tool to prevent the installation of malware.
Even when clicking on AdChoices advertisements, remember that some advertisers misuse the symbol for non-compliant advertising.
In particular, avoid buying followers/subscribers/fans or completing surveys/downloading apps to get fans. It is never a good idea to give your personal information to a website you do not know. Let growth on social media come naturally.
Note that real companies will not contact you or give you a number to call if your computer is infected with malware.
To make your file extensions visible, open Windows Explorer, click the View tab/menu and select Options. Click the View tab in the Folder Options window and uncheck the “Hide extensions for known file types” box.
Always scan ZIP files as these often contain multiple files in one archive. Email programs will often scan your email files for viruses automatically, but you should still scan any downloaded files with your own antivirus program. Both Windows and Mac scan downloaded files to stop malware.
Also read the privacy policy; if the app collects your data, you want to know how the website uses it.
Note: Some services have started changing way email images are handled, making image loading safer. For example, Gmail no longer disables images on default. Check with your mail provider for the best practices on their service.
Any legitimate company will never ask you for passwords or other personal information through email.
You can use other methods for file sharing, such as online storage or email to send files. Or you can disable autoplay for removable media on your PC which will prevent your PC getting infected automatically via USB and make sure you scan the drive with your antivirus after you plugged it into a strange computer (if you are an advanced user you can check if the autorun. inf file on the drive was edited and if there is an open command in it that links to the virus (Make sure show hidden and system files is enabled) or if all the real files on the drive was were hidden and replaced by shortcuts with the same name that link to the virus). You can disable autoplay for USB drives by searching for autoplay settings or going to Control Panel > Default Programs > Change autoplay settings, then uncheck use AutoPlay for all media and devices, then go to removable drive and say take no action. This is an easy way to prevent inadvertently getting a virus by sticking an infected drive in your computer and from spreading a USB virus; however, this will not prevent your USB drive from getting infected if you stick it in a strange computer. So make sure you scan it regularly or even set an icon for the drive in the autorun. inf file and if the icon disappears you know your drive has been infected.
