As the most popular version of Windows since XP, Windows 7 is an obvious target for hackers who create dangerous programs designed to infect your computer. Since it’s release, Windows 7 has experienced a nearly 30% increase in malware attacks. At the same time, Windows XP attacks are declining. So how can you keep your information secure and best avoid being affected by malware?
Malware attacks occur because it is nearly impossible to create a 100% secure operating system, given the volume and scope of all the files required to run the OS. For this reason, computer hackers work tediously to discover vulnerabilities in the security of Windows, many of which occur within the web browser. Once discovered, hackers create programs to create a security breach and compromise personal data of hundreds of thousands of PC users. Once developed these malicious programs are passed off as legitimate programs, then inadvertently shared.
The number of dangerous websites on the Internet is increasing at an astounding rate, many of which appear to be reliable sources. Once downloaded, however, malware files can begin infecting your computer before you even run them.
This is why it is so important to keep an optimized Windows 7 system to best prevent computer infections from occurring. You must regular perform virus scans and also regularly install the latest Windows update, most of which patch security vulnerabilities as soon as Microsoft becomes aware of them.
Once infected, a number of problems can begin occurring on your computer. In addition to proving annoying and difficult to remove, malware and viruses can delete important data and even steal your account passwords and valuable credit card information.
If you have not taken some time to secure your computer system yet, here are some steps to best protect yourself.
- Install the latest Windows Updates
- Install the latest version of your Internet browser and install updates as they are released.
- Be sure to have antivirus software and run regular scans of your hard drive.
- If you have programs that access the Internet, also be sure to keep these updated.
When it comes to computers, you safety and security are of primary importance. We all have very sensitive information that is stored on our computers. It’s much better to take preventative measures before something bad happens, rather than take defensive measures after your computer has been compromised.
If you have other tips to keep your computer safe from malware, feel free to share in the comments below.