Protecting Your Computer

Anti-malware

The first line of defence for keeping your computer and devices safe is to run anti-malware software frequently. Anti-malware software is a computer program that detects, prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs (also called malware), such as viruses and worms.

Computer viruses are software programs that are deliberately designed to interfere with computer operation by recording, corrupting, or deleting data, often doing their damage and then spreading to other computers throughout the internet.

To help prevent the most current viruses and malware, you must update your anti-malware software regularly. You can set up most of them to update automatically.

Follow the links below that correspond to the Operating System (OS) of your devices.

This is helpful advice:

• Choosing anti-malware programs and generally keeping safe

Windows 

Recent model computers running the Windows OS will come with Windows Defender installed. Slightly older systems should have Microsoft Security Essentials.  

As a minimum:

• Turn Windows Defender Firewall on
• Keep Windows up to date
• Defender (Download for reference)

In addition, there are free and low-cost anti-malware programs that can work alongside Defender, but you want to avoid causing conflicts by running more than one at the same time. 

Apple/Mac

There are lots of options for anti-malware programs for Apple computers and devices. Here is a recent list:

• Mac Antivirus

Android

There are also lots of options for anti-malware apps for Android. 

•   look through the choices on Google Play and choose the one that seems right for you

Protecting your Data

A few tips for keeping your data secure and safe (follow links for more information):

• Use strong passwords (as explored in the next section: Protecting Yourself)
• Always log out of public computers once your session has ended, if you are returning soon after printing a document for example, lock it.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) as an added layer of protection when accessing unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Use, update and be proactive with anti-malware scanning (as above). Even the best software can let malicious programs through.
• Be aware of the limitations of cloud storage. Although extremely useful for most data, you should not use cloud storage for storing sensitive information. 

Ask Leo is an excellent resource for friendly, easy to understand advice about safety, security and generally understanding your devices and digital environment. You may want to sign up for his weekly newsletter and download his free e-book, Staying Safe on the Internet.

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