One of the biggest threats on the internet is malware—malicious software intentionally designed to cause damage to data or systems, or gain unauthorized access to information. Malware can be introduced to a network or a machine when users click bogus links in a phishing email, by visiting a compromised website, or by downloading software that includes malicious code.
But there is good news. Following these best practices will help keep your computer malware-free.
- Unsure about a link in an email? Instead of opening it, right-click and copy/paste the link address onto a notepad, so you can make sure the link connects you where it claims to lead. You can also visit an online scanning service like VirusTotal and analyze the link on their site.
- Keep your antivirus software up to date. Northwestern University recommends using “Microsoft Defender,” formerly “Windows Defender” for Windows devices, and Sophos or Avast for Macs. Feel free to read more about the antivirus solutions and Northwestern’s plan for endpoint security here: https://www.it.northwestern.edu/transitions/2021/new-endpoint-security-solution.html
- Before you open an attachment, use your antivirus software to scan it for viruses. No antivirus software can catch all malware, but having antivirus software scan attachments prevents known malware from infecting your machine.
- Create two accounts on your computer, one with administrative privileges. (Instructions for adding/removing accounts on Windows 10 can be found here, and for Mac can be found here.) Use the account without administrative privileges to browse the internet to avoid compromising the administrative account with higher privileges.
Utilizing these tips should help you feel more secure online. For additional reading, check out https://www.it.northwestern.edu/security/securenu/index.html