by The Computing Australia Group | There are several steps you can take to protect your computer from viruses:
- Install antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. Make sure you keep the antivirus software up to date, as new viruses are constantly being created.
- Keep your operating system and other software up to date: Software updates often include security fixes that can help protect your computer from viruses.
- Be cautious when opening emails and attachments: Don’t open emails or attachments from unfamiliar senders, and be wary of emails that contain links or ask you to download something.
- Don’t download files from untrusted websites: Only download files from websites that you trust.
- Use a firewall: A firewall can help protect your computer from unauthorized access, including from viruses.
- Be careful when using social media and instant messaging: Don’t click on links or download files from people you don’t know, and be careful about the personal information you share online.
By following these steps, you can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware.
What to do if your computer has a virus
If you think your computer may be infected with a virus, it is important to take action as soon as possible to try to remove the virus and prevent further harm to your computer. Here are some steps you can take:
- Disconnect from the internet: This will help prevent the virus from spreading to other computers or devices on your network.
- Run a virus scan: Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your computer for viruses. Many antivirus programs have the option to do a full system scan, which will check all files on your computer for viruses.
- Delete or quarantine infected files: If the virus scan finds any infected files, it should give you the option to delete or quarantine them. Choose to delete or quarantine the files to remove them from your computer.
- Update your operating system and antivirus software: Make sure that your operating system and antivirus software are up to date. These updates often include patches for newly discovered security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by viruses.
- Keep your firewall turned on: A firewall helps to protect your computer from incoming connections that may be malicious. Make sure that your firewall is turned on and configured to allow only trusted connections.
- Be cautious when opening emails and downloading files: Be careful not to open emails or download files from unknown sources, as these are common ways for viruses to infect computers.
- Consider using a bootable antivirus tool: If you are unable to boot into your operating system or if the virus is preventing you from running a scan, you may need to use a bootable antivirus tool. These tools allow you to boot into a special operating system that is specifically designed for virus removal.
If you are unable to remove the virus on your own, it may be necessary to seek professional help. You can also consider backing up your important files and restoring your system to an earlier point before the virus was present.
So what is the best antivirus solution?
It is difficult to determine the “best” antivirus software, as different antivirus programs excel in different areas and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, some well-known and highly-rated antivirus programs include:
- Avast Antivirus
- AVG Antivirus
- Bitdefender Antivirus
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus
- McAfee Antivirus
- Microsoft Defender (also known as Windows Defender)
- Norton Antivirus
- Trend Micro Antivirus
Many of these are suitable for a stand-alone computer, but in a corporate sense, there are less well-known packages that are more suited to providing broader and more robust protection. It is important to note that no antivirus program can provide 100% protection against all threats, so it is important to also practice safe browsing habits and be cautious when downloading and opening files from unknown sources. It is also a good idea to keep your antivirus software up to date, as new threats and vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered.
Worried about the security of your computer network? Contact Chris on: 0438 855 884 or sales@computingaustralia.group
