7 Ways of Securing your PC system from Viruses, Malware, and Adware

Wonder why your PC is slowing down all of a sudden? Or why your credit card has less credit than it’s supposed to? If yes, then it’s probably best to check your PC system as soon as possible for viruses, malware, and adware. A virus might be lingering on your computer, slowing down most of your applications and corrupting your data files. And the most threatening of all, gathering sensitive information that could be used for monetary gains. Securing your PC system from viruses, malware and adware may seem difficult, but with just a few precautions and your antivirus software, you’ll be having a virus-free PC in no time.

Knowing your Viruses, Malware and Adware

All users of the internet are vulnerable to malicious software and that includes you, and by simply knowing how and when they attack can mean safety to your pc system, your mobile, and your privacy.

• Viruses

These are unwanted software programs that are spread through data transfers from one storage device to another, and of course the internet. By simply opening a file attachment through your email, you are already susceptible to a virus, so make sure the files you are downloading through the internet are from a reliable source.

There are many ways a virus can affect your system, some maybe harmless, but most will try and corrupt your data, so it’s best to use precautions and removal tools. Trojan Horse, Worm, Email Virus, Browser Hijacker fall to this category.

• Malware

Short for malicious software, these are your unwanted software that usually gather sensitive information and even gain access to your private network. Malware can infect your system through downloading from unfamiliar and unverified sites including attachments on emails. Also, by simply clicking unfamiliar links can expose your system to malicious software and websites. Key-loggers, Ransomware, Rootkit fall to this category.

• Adware

Adware is a type of malware that usually is harmless but the most lucrative one. It displays ads on your computer even without your permission.

So basically, a virus, malware and adware all fall into the same category under unwanted software program. They all cause harm by gathering sensitive information, slowing down your computer, and corrupting your data files.

How to Secure your system from Viruses, Malware and Adware

In General, there are three ways to keep your system clean from malicious programs, and that’s precaution, using anti-virus or virus removal tool, and the worst of its kind, formatting. Formatting is deleting all your data files from your system and starting fresh. One of the most efficient virus and malware repellant is using precaution when using the internet or using external storage devices.

#1 Use Antivirus

Having an anti-virus running on your system is a must if you want to keep your system clean from viruses and malware. It doesn’t just remove malicious programs from your system but it prevents them from entering it, making it one of the best precautions you should perform.

#2 Avoid Downloading Pirated Software

Avoid at all cost pirated software from the internet. There’s a big chance the files may be corrupted and contains unwanted software programs. You may think that you have saved a lot by getting a pirated copy, but the consequences of having a malware or virus on your system may mean costing you more than what you should’ve paid for.  Not to mention, lawsuits from companies and manufacturers.

#3 Keep your Browser Updated

Whether you’re using an Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla, Safari or Opera, you should always check for updates. You might not know it but securities from these browsers are getting updated regularly, but all the same with your viruses and malware.  While securities are getting more and more advanced, malicious attacks are also adapting in breaching that security.

#4 Keep your Operating System Updated

Operating systems will always have that vulnerability against virus and malware, this is due to the fact that these OS’s have their own loopholes or bugs that can be exploited by cyber-attacks. And so, the best possible thing to do is updating your OS, whether you’re using a MAC or Windows OS. You should know, your OS’s doesn’t just give you an easier and more convenient way to go through your files and applications, but they also have their own security measures that helps prevent viruses and malware from entering your system.

#5 Avoid Clicking and Downloading from Unreliable Sites

Download is an unavoidable task when going through the internet, and so the best safety measure for you to do is avoiding downloads from unreliable and unknown source. The same goes with clicking on unreliable links that usually pops out on your screen. Usually, these links come with a banner that tells you you’ve won something, or will tell you something you’ve always wanted to know, but most of these are scams that drag you to untrusted sites.

#6 Scan before Transferring Files

Transferring data files to and from your computer is one way viruses and malware infect your system. Scan your portable storage devices before accessing your data to ensure that it’s not infected. Generally, you do this with an anti-virus installed on your system.

Here are the best free antivirus you can get for free

• Avira

Simple yet efficient, the Avira antivirus uses a simple interface design but packs a punch in punching your viruses and malware. It comes with a 99.4% protection rate same as the highly-rated Kaspersky and Bitdefender, making Avira one of the best choice when looking for a free antivirus.

• Avast

While Avast falls shortly from Avira on protection rate, it is well-designed with a clear interface and efficient one, making Avast on top of the list. It is also a well-known malware repellant that blocks malicious URLS, meaning that you likely won’t encounter any malware in the first place. Some features also include settings for network security holes for a more secure connection.

• AVG

Good security for your system, but usually eats up some of your system’s speed with its marketing strategies built within the application. If you ever wonder why it’s free, it’s mostly because of this marketing scheme. It may have its own flaws, but it’s free and efficient.

• Panda

Easy to use, quick installation and good lab results, this free antivirus is one to grab when looking for a free capable antivirus. Scanning may take a while though, but it will do its job well.

Here are the best antivirus you can purchase

• Kaspersky

Outshines most of its competitors in virus protection, Kaspersky is rated as one of the top antivirus by many users and reviews. Aside from its high protection rate, it also comes with other features to efficiently protect your system from malicious attacks. It also has its own help and support to help you with some of yours issues you may encounter.

• Bitdefender

Same as Kaspersky, it is one of the top-rated antivirus that consistently seeks out and resolves malware issues efficiently. It also comes with a customer support and useful features.

• McAfee

Falls just below Kaspersky in rating, McAfee is no doubt a virus-protection software that does it job well. It also surpassed most of its competitors when it comes to sheer performance, usability and protection making it one good choice when getting your system an antivirus.

Now getting an antivirus doesn’t mean that you’re already safe from harm. You need to regularly scan your system and scan all through your hard drives and even portable ones just to make sure. Once it finds a threat on your system, you’ll be notified on what actions you might need to do. Not to worry though, a suggested action will be shown and is highly recommended that you do it. Next step would be keeping your antivirus up-to-date to keep up with the new virus and malware recently found. Finally, keep your antivirus running every time you start up your system. You never know when virus and malware attacks.

#7 Starting Fresh

When all else fails, there will be nothing left to do but to format your computer. Meaning you’ll have to delete all the files and have a fresh start. It’s probably the worst way you to clean your system from all malicious programs, but it is also considered to be the most efficient way. Just remember to back-up your most important files, but doing so won’t guarantee you a virus-free system.

While an antivirus usually keeps your PC system safe, the best way however is preventing and avoiding getting infected by viruses, malware and adware in the first place. Just remember to refrain from downloading data files from unreliable source, avoid clicking pop-up ads, avoid visiting malicious sites, and always check portable drives especially when transferring some of your data into your PC system.