Avoid Malware

Short for malicious software, malware can be used to steal personal information, send spam and commit fraud. You can help make sure your computer is free of malware by protecting your machine with anti-virus software.

Other steps you should take to protect your computer and mobile devices from malicious software threats include:

• Be careful about which websites you visit. File sharing sites and sites that allow you to illegally watch movies are ripe with contaminated programs that may infect your computer.
• Regularly update your operating system and software. Also, while doing this, make sure you pay attention to what those programs are installing on your computer. Updates to Internet plug-ins, such as Java, can install other programs that you might want to avoid.
• If you no longer need a particular software application, remove it. Attackers are constantly targeting systems with outdated versions of software.