How to protect your Windows PC from malware?

Malware is looking for new ways to infect computers. Malware protection is very essential to protect your PC.

Tips to keep your data and account safe and reduce risk

Keep the software up to date

Hackers infiltrate the device using vulnerabilities. In various popular software such as web browsers, Java, Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Office. Software updates are a great way to reduce such vulnerabilities.

First of all, make sure that automatic Microsoft updates are enabled to keep Microsoft software up to date. Also, take advantage of the built-in security enhancement by updating to the latest version of Windows.

Avoid links and attachments

Some of the most common ways to easily affect your device are email and other messaging tools. Malware can be opened directly from the links and attachments in the message.

Some emails contain files that contain malware but the recipient instructs or appeals to download.

So, use an email service that can protect you from malicious attachments, links, and bad senders. Microsoft Office 365 has built-in antimalware, link protection and spam filtering.

Pirated content on compromised websites

In fact, using pirated content is not only illegal but also increases the risk of malware. Sites are also becoming a repository of malware to provide pirated software. Similarly, sometimes malware can be found in pirated software.

Always download movies, music and apps only from official sites to stay safe. Use the Windows 10 Pro SKUS model.

Do not attach unfamiliar removable drives

Some types of malware are spreads by copying to USB flash drives and other removable drives. Some people are also malicious who make the affected device themselves and keep it open in public space.

So only use removable drives that you trust or that come from trusted sources. If those drives have been used in a public computer of library or shop, a cafe, do not use them.

Make sure you use antivirus software on those computers. Get rid of the habit of opening files on unfamiliar drives.

Use of a non-administrator account

Always limit your account privileges. In the window User Account Control (UAC) provides automatic, granular privilege control.

Whenever an application tries to make changes to the system, it temporarily suspends privilege and always sends prompts and alerts to the active user.

But even if the UAC limits the admin user’s privilege, the user can remove such restrictions at the prompt. As a result, admin users can even allow malware to run.

So use a non-administrator account regularly to make sure your daily digital activities aren’t harmful and malware is not being injected. This way you can prevent the installation of illegal apps by using a non-administrator account.

You can also prevent sudden changes to the system. Get rid of the habit of browsing the web and checking mail using accounts with administrator privileges.

Check out malicious and compromised websites

Malware automatically damages your device when you visit any malicious or compromised website. Or you may be tricked into installing or downloading malware.

See examples of the Exploits and Exploits kit on how the following websites install malware. Keep these things in mind to identify potentially harmful websites.

1. The name of the company you want should be mentioned on the front of any website address (domain). Check that the domain name contains incorrect words.

For example, in the domain name of malicious sites, the letter O can be replaced by zero. Similarly, L and I might be replaced by one.

2. Some sites have a lot of popups and tap buttons. Those site can trick people into pressing a button.

Use modern web browsers like Microsoft Edge to block malicious websites that detect phishing and malware websites and check for malware downloads.

If you find an unsafe site, you can even report it to Microsoft Edge.

Also Read: How to create a Windows 10 USB recovery drive?

Malware protection safety tips

Follow these security tips to protect your data from malware and other threats.

1. Backup all files online and offline on two devices.

2. Don’t use public hotspots and Wi-Fi.

3. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.

4. Don’t log in to social media, email and corporate accounts from every devices.

5. Do not download and use the old app. Some apps may have vulnerabilities. Older Microsoft Office 2003 could also be a security threat.

6. Do not use the previous version of Windows than Windows 10.

MicroSoft Security Essentials also provides real-time protection to protect your home and small business devices from viruses, spyware, and malicious software.

Also Read: How to Create and Schedule Backup on Windows 10?

What to do for a malware infection?

You can use Microsoft Defender to reduce the chances of malware infection. It automatically removes detected threats.

Microsoft also provides extensive security capabilities to protect against threats.

1. Automatic Microsoft update

2. Controlled folder access helps prevent unauthorized access of ransomware to your important files.

3. Microsoft Edge Browser does not allow exploit kits to run on your device.

4. Microsoft Exchange Online Protection EOP provides enterprise-level reliability and protection against spam and malware.

5. Microsoft Safety Scanner helps to remove malicious files from the computer. But it can’t do the job of antivirus.

6. Microsoft 365 has Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility Plus security. These resources increase productivity and provide intelligent security to user’s devices and data.

7. For Office 365, Microsoft Defender has a machine learning capability that blocks deadly mail.

8. OneDrive for Business can back up files. You can restore the file even after the device is infected.

9. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a comprehensive endpoint protection. It detects and prevents ransomware.

10. Windows Hello for Business replaces your password with strong two-factor authentication. It contains new types of user credentials. It also uses PIN or biometric. – (in collaboration with the agency)

Also Read: How to Center the Windows 10 Taskbar icons without Software?