The tips below may help keep your computer from becoming infected with unwanted malware.
- Install anti-virus software and make sure it receives updated virus definitions regularly
- Keep your operating system up-to-date with the latest patches
- Keep your programs update-to-date with the latest patches. Applications such as Java, FlashPlayer, Adobe Reader, and Internet browsers are particularly vulnerable to malware exploits.
- Don't put an unknown USB flash drive into your computer. If the drive is infected with a virus, it could spread to your computer.
- Don't open email attachments from unknown senders.
- Don't open email attachments that are unexpected or appear suspicious, even if it is from someone you know. Some malware can spread by emailing attachments or malicious links to all contacts stored in the address book of an account on an infected computer. If the file is unexpected, you may want to contact the sender to verify the file was intentionally sent.
- Do not open emails with subjects that appear suspicious, contain misspellings, are in all caps or are in any way questionable.
- Do not provide your username or password to any email link that has requested you to login.
- Be cautious when downloading files from the Internet. Only download files from reputable sources. If possible, perform a virus scan on any downloaded files before executing.
- Use a desktop firewall. If you have not purchased a security solution that includes a desktop firewall, be sure to activate your operating system's built-in firewall.