You do not need to be a victim of malicious codes before you build up your defenses. However, as it is very common for internet users to obtain viruses, worms, and trojan horses, here are specific recommendations that you could follow in order to reduce the risk of being infected again:
1) Make use of Anti-Virus software
Anti-Virus software are designed to run discreetly in your computer to detect viruses and pursue corrective action. Although viruses are continuously being developed with more devious codes that aim to surpass Anti-Virus software, you can keep your security utilities current by regularly updating its virus definitions.
2) Change your access codes
Because original passwords can be cached in your browser, it is possible that the infections that you have suffered from are due to compromised access codes. It is also possible that your original passwords were easy to guess. For this reason, it is recommended that you change your passwords in order to reduce the risk of another infection. Also, try to make your passwords more random or more difficult to be guessed by hackers.
3) Make use of up-to-date software
Since numerous malicious codes feed on known weaknesses of common programs, it is important to keep your software up-to-date. There are software patches that you may install in order to keep your programs from being exposed to and exploited by attackers. The more common operating systems have built-in devices that seek updates and install them automatically. All you must do is enable them.
4) Enable a firewall
Firewalls protect your computer from unauthorized external access and help prevent infections by monitoring traffic and blocking malicious codes before they can enter your system. Most operating systems already have built-in firewalls but you must make sure that they are enabled.
5) Install Anti-Spyware programs
Spyware is one of the most common source of malicious codes but you can minimize infections by making use of Anti-Spyware programs that are designed to protect your computer from software that secretly monitors your computer activities, collects personal information, and interfere with your codes.
Although these 5 recommendations are sure to minimize the risk of another infection, it is also important to remember that you must be careful when connected to the internet. Just because you have the appropriate software installed, it doesn’t mean that it is not possible for you to get another infection. Be cautious when opening emails from unknown sources and downloading mysterious attachments.
Lastly, in order to minimize the hassles and frustration or losing data just in case you get infected again, try to maintain backup files of important documents on removable storages.
