Malware Protection

Implementing malware protection is a critical step towards securing your computer and the sensitive information it contains. Whether it's a nasty virus, a slithery network worm or deceptive Trojan horse, these malicious programs will attempt to enter your system and stir up major chaos. It's a jungle of danger online, but you do not have to be a victim. The following tips will help you prevent infection and stay protected against the many faces of malware.

OS Updates

One way to keep your computer more secure is to frequently update the Windows operating system. Microsoft is always making improvements to the system, so by enabling the automatic update feature, you will receive the latest security patches for Windows and Internet Explorer.

Anti-virus

Anti-virus software is a must these days as viruses are one of the most common types of malware. There are several options available, ranging from free solutions like Comodo and AVG Anti-virus to paid programs offered by McAfee and Symantec. These programs function best when they receive daily upgrades. Remember to only install one, as multiple anti-virus programs do not complement each other well.

Anti-spyware

You can take malware protection one step further by installing anti-spyware software on your computer. Spyware is a huge problem on the net and often so sophisticated that a virus scanner will not detect it. You can began with a free program such as SpyBot Search and Destroy

or Spyware Terminator. You will find that paid solutions like SunBelt CounterSpy and LavaSoft AdAware Plus are more effective. Just as with your anti-virus program, your spyware tools should receive frequent updates to detect and destroy the latest threats.

Protect Your Registry

The registry is one of the most critical components of the Windows system. When malware is installed, it often settles and hides out in the registry, making it very difficult to locate. The best way to guard your registry is to install an anti-malware program. Lavasoft products include Real-Time protection features to protect the registry and Startup files of your computer. This type of malware protection is essential for someone that frequently uses the internet.

Protect Your Browser

Malware primarily enjoys a reign of terror due to vulnerabilities in the Internet Explorer web browser. Though version 7.0 is more secure, you should take additional measures by increasing security settings and disabling Active X support. You can ensure better protection against malware by using a browser like Opera or Mozilla FireFox. These browsers offer a safer browsing experience and more features for personalization.

Additional Protection

Catching a malware infection is easy these days. All it takes is a single trip to the wrong website, and you could lose everything on your computer. Surfing the web is much safer with new solutions like McAfee Site Advisor. This tool will allow you to detect and avoid websites suspected of hosting pop-ups, spyware, viruses or conducting phishing scams.

Malware has become almost as common as spam on the internet, being produced at an alarming rate. Employing a few preventive measures goes a long way in protecting your computer.

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