How to keep your PC virus-free: Our practical tips work without sponge and disinfection
Viruses, malware, Trojans and spyware – all of which can wreak havoc on computers and mobile devices. This starts with minor problems in daily use, but can escalate to the defect of the entire system. If unauthorized persons gain access to personal data via Trojans, online banking and other online activities are compromised. to a real threat. Reason enough to take preventive action. In this blog post we tell you how to keep your PC virus-free.
A good virus protection: Please update constantly
It goes without saying that good virus protection is indispensable. If you regularly surf the Internet with your computer or laptop, you should always make use of virus software. As a rule of thumb, paid-for virus programs often offer advanced options that free programs can’t match. However, free programs offer basic protection.
But the purchase of anti-virus software is not the end of the story. Make sure that the virus program constantly drives updates. In the basic settings of most virus software, there is an option to select that the program updates itself independently and in real time. Since online threats are constantly changing and skillfully exploiting security gaps in the system, it makes sense to always keep your virus protection up to date.
Public WLAN networks: Caution is advised here
Those who travel a lot or frequently go online while on the road not infrequently use public hotspots. In many restaurants, there is now access to the WLAN network. There is also the option to dial into public hotspots on the train, at the airport or at train stations. This is a good thing per se, but again, keep some safety criteria in mind.
As soon as you connect to the WLAN, the so-called "Network and Internet settings" open under Windows. You can choose between different options here:
- Home network
- Workstation network
- Public network
While home networks and work networks are considered trusted networks, a public network is a different story. As soon as not all PCs that are in the same network are known, you should select the "public network" option. This has the consequence that the PC automatically deactivates file and printer sharing. At the same time, the Windows firewall also sets higher security standards to protect your PC from outside attacks. If you can avoid it, do not perform online banking and other online activities involving sensitive data over a public network.
The classic: critically sifting through email attachments
It’s well known that you should never open email attachments from unknown senders under any circumstances. The risk of infecting the PC with a virus via the attachment is too high. But fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated. Often it is not e-mails from strangers, but supposedly harmless e-mails from business partners or friends that are infected with malware. Even the subject is often harmless, so there is no doubt that the e-mail is genuine.
However, it is not uncommon for fraudsters to gain access to e-mail distribution lists or address books by illegal means. With the effect that the sender is not aware that malicious e-mail attachments or links are being sent in his name. The recipient, on the other hand, finds nothing unusual about the electronic correspondence at first glance and opens the infected attachment.
Our tip: Before opening an attachment, it makes sense to pause for a moment. If the text in the email refers to the attachment and is written in correct German? So far so good. If the text reads impersonally, may even be in a foreign language, or contains numerous obvious errors? That sounds like spam! Also take a closer look at the naming from the attachment. Strange strings of characters and letters are less trustworthy than a common file naming convention, such as 20190902_contract sample.docx.
In case of doubt always applies: A short phone call with the sender clarifies whether the e-mail is trustworthy or not.