Protect your business – before it’s too late.

Protect your Computer from Viruses

We all use digital devices for different reasons, take our mobile phones, for example, we use them to chat, and to take amazing selfies. We even save our bank details and important documents on our phones and computers but most importantly client information, business documents, or even pictures of our little ones growing up.  The last thing we need is a hard drive failure or virus infection that results in us losing all this info.

The process

Before you start implementing the steps to follow, always make sure you have secured your laptop or PC the second you get it. The following steps will assist you in making your PC virus free, however you need to continuously implement these measures to make sure it stays that way.

  1. Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software does exactly what the name says.  The software protects your computer or digital devices from harmful viruses.  You are usually able to set the software to scan frequently end even scan emails as they arrive.

  1. Suspicious Websites

Suspicious websites to avoid are those that say you have won something or unknown websites that have pop up’s asking you to click and download files or programs.

  1. Email scams

Emails are one of the biggest ways to spread and receive viruses. To ensure you don’t receive any viruses via email, make sure your email provider always scans the emails before you open the email or attachment.

  1. Automatic scans

Scans can help your system stay updated and can continuously fight and get rid of the latest viruses. It is very useful to scan your computer often as your anti-virus software will update with the latest viruses regularly.

  1. Update regularly

By keeping your operating system updated you will be protecting your computer from bugs or viruses. Keep an eye out for Microsoft Windows “Critical updates” and install them as soon as possible.

  1. Use a firewall

Firstly, what is a firewall? A firewall is a program that protects your system by preventing unwanted and unauthorized access.  Your firewall should always be enabled and running in the background.

  1. Downloading

Downloading music or movies from unknown websites can be risky.  This doesn’t only affect the artists, but also our computers. Always make sure you are purchasing or downloading content from a reliable/trustworthy source.

  1. Be ready!

It always helps to be prepared – if you hear about new computer viruses going around, that’s when you have to pull out all the stops to make sure your computers or devices are protected and all software is updated.

BONUS TIP: Make strong passwords – not passwords like “1234” add letters and symbols to make it even stronger and more difficult to hack…

If you need further assistance with anti-virus software, firewalls, data backups or monthly support contracts, please give Complete IT a call on 021 556 3524.