How to Prevent Virus Attacks
- 1). Download antivirus software. Select software that has the ability to "autoscan" incoming documents. This will stop attacks from viruses you download inadvertently.
- 2). Update your antivirus software every week.
- 3). Complete a full-system scan at least once a week to ensure no viruses are hiding on your computer.
- 4). Open attachments on e-mails only when you are expecting them.
- 5). Delete any file that the antivirus program flags as infected. Do this immediately.
- 6). Run .exe files only from sources you trust. Websites may disguise viruses as familiar programs.
- 7). Use a firewall. This prevents unauthorized access to your computer. Routers can act as firewalls but they must be password-protected.
- 8). Use standard-user accounts on Microsoft operating systems as opposed to administrator accounts. Standard-user accounts cannot change important settings, access system files or install programs. Therefore, a virus downloaded from a standard account cannot damage folders and files since the account does not have access to them.