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When you buy a new computer you might download various software including antivirus software such as Avast. Avast aims to protect our devices and files from viruses, malware, and malicious programs so that a virus does not control the system and lead to its collapse! But is downloading an antivirus program enough to obtain maximum protection? For this purpose, we will present, through this article, a set of steps that you can follow to avoid falling into gaps that antivirus programs do not protect you from. Following these tips will help you make sure that your computer is safe.
1-Filtering spam emails
Spam emails make up a large part of the ones we constantly receive on our emails. They are annoying because we can prevent them from reaching our accounts.50% of these emails contain malicious materials. Through this method, a lot of malware can infiltrate your device. Therefore, you must take the necessary measures to ensure that the emails you receive are secure and do not contain any dangerous malicious software which often aims to harm your files.
Spam emails strive to convince you to click on their links! Many of them look like official emails and include a link to a fake website that tricks you into entering your data, which is of particular concern. Yes, browser-based email solutions such as Gmail and Outlook are good at blocking them, as they are not the best. That is why you should keep checking your email to delete the spam ones manually.
Also, it is a good idea to activate the spam filter to help block these messages. Do not give any chance to the spammers. Don’t open any attachments from suspicious email accounts!
2-Use an encrypted email
Using Gmail, Outlook, or your ISP-enforced email service is fine, but it might not be safe. Having a username, password, or two-factor authentication and an HTTPS connection are good, but they are not satisfying. So what can you do about it?
Today many encrypted email providers are found, and each offers different levels of security. If encrypting your email looks like a safe option, you must recognize each service based on quality rather than the interface. Make sure to use a secure password to decrypt your emails. Among these options, ProtonMail is usually noted as a good encrypted email provider. However, you can use Disroot, which links free encrypted emails with a safe cloud drive.
3-Use trusted apps and browsers
Staying secure online is expressed by the ability to surf the web without getting caught up in malware, scammers, ransomware, and other dangers. In addition to email, most of the problems that threaten your online safety come through your browser. Therefore, it is better to ensure that you are using a browser that is regularly updated. Mozilla Firefox is a good and reliable browser that always receives updates. Thanks to the development team, as they are doing a tough job. You may also depend on Google Chrome, although the privacy issues of this browser regarding the way Google tracks your behavior may raise some concerns for users.
But the threats of malware and viruses do not stop at the browser but extend to reach browser add-ons, where there are many of those add-ons that are necessary because they facilitate our work. But when you download one of these add-ons, you should pay attention to the official add-ons if supported and uploaded by its developer or by some hackers who strive to imitate the original add-ons to attack computers.
4-Check links before clicking them
There are annoying websites, malware-laden ads, bad pop-ups, unsafe browsers, that’s why link checkers are a must, and for this purpose, many are available as browser extensions or websites and software, etc.
So what are the best ones that check fast whether the link you intend to click is safe or not?
For this, you can use the free service provided by the Russian company Kaspersky VirusDesk. Just visit “opentip.kaspersky.com” drop the link in the search box and press “scan” to know the result.
5-Surf the web via a proxy server or VPN
If you are willing to access the web without getting recognized online (incognito) – perhaps to prevent identity theft – you should use a proxy server or VPN (Virtual Private Network). A proxy server (where you access a site by an anonymity service) lets you access blocked or censored data, preventing any type of profiling of your online activities, and enabling you to do sensitive research. A VPN uses encryption (256-bit AES), to obfuscate your online action from outside observers.
Searching for a VPN to use?
We recommend a few ones such as ExpressVPN, HotSpot Shield, and CyberGhost.
Additional information:
Talking about viruses and antiviruses, what are viruses?
It is a set of software commands that enter into computer programs and become part of them. They are created by vandals to harm computers.
When a program loaded with a computer virus is run, the virus is copied to stored files or other programs on the device.
Computer viruses got this name because of how they spread across devices, as once a specific part of the device is infected with the virus, the infection quickly spreads to the other parts.
Signs of a computer virus infection
Many signs may indicate the presence of viruses on your device. These signs may vary depending on the type of virus on it, and here are some of the most prominent ones:
- Significantly low device speed, as viruses usually consume most of the device’s resources and capabilities.
- Experiencing many sudden and unexpected malfunctions
- Many pop-ups open automatically through the Internet browser on the device.
- The emergence of new programs that open through the computer even though they were not previously installed by the user.
- Sending random messages via email to the user’s contacts.
Now you know how to face the various viruses that might attack your device, so are you going to pay more attention? Keep your devices safe!