What Can You Do To Minimize The Risk Of A Computer Virus?

Viruses in computers can cause insurmountable damage, and quick detection is vital for helping to preserve your sensitive data and keep your computer operating as normal. 

Some signs of a virus can include the theft of data, a slow running computer, frequent error messages, frequent system crashes, unexpected shutdowns or start-ups, and many, many more. Should you suspect that your computer has been infected with a virus, it’s best to take it to a Bristol Computer Repairs company as soon as possible, who will carry out diagnostic tests to determine what’s going on. Able to be transmitted from one device to another, fast action following a virus attack is paramount. 

What’s going on in the background when a virus is present?

As scary as it might sound, it’s important to understand that computer viruses are continually replicating themselves, and can easily and quickly spread through an entire operating system and network. While doing this, the virus is causing immeasurable harm to your hard drive, damaging programs, even deleting files or stealing your personal data and sensitive documents. This all makes it incredibly hard for your computer to function as it should, and you will likely notice a decrease in its performance, or the system may crash entirely. 

How do computers contract viruses?

In the majority of instances, the downloading or installing of an infected file is responsible for the virus, with free games and pirated media being the number one culprits. All it takes is one click on a link, button or email attachment that’s bad, and the virus starts installing itself. Your computer can also become infected with a virus when you visit a website set up by scammers, or when you use a USB stick or similar external drive, that might have been infected without you knowing. 

What should you do if you suspect your computer has a virus?

While you shouldn’t panic, fast action is required if you suspect your computer has been infected with a virus, and if you can get in contact with a local repair company at the earliest, that’s the best solution. You may find that they visit your home or office to inspect the computer, but whatever their advice may be, it’s wise to follow it.

What steps can you take to prevent computer viruses?

There are 3 main steps to take in order to protect your computer from viruses:

• Install antivirus software

You should always have an active antivirus from a trusted source installed on your computer, from the minute you start using it. 

• Follow these basic behaviours of cybersecurity

The following are 4 good habits to follow at all times if you want to keep your devices virus-free

• Use complicated passwords and a password manager to store them all securely

• Turn on multi-factor authentication, or 2-factor authentication, where permitted

• Turn on updates for your hardware, apps, and software that are carried out automatically

• Be wise to phishing attempts

• Take care when using public wi-fi

While convenient, public wi-fi networks aren’t secure, and could leave any connected devices vulnerable to viruses. Instead, use a VPN or personal mobile hotspot to connect where possible. 

• Only use verifiable software

You’re asking for trouble if you download any software or purchase apps from a source you can’t verify, or which isn’t trusted. 

Computer virus removal in Bristol is an essential service needed by many, and one that can help people minimize the damage viruses can cause, while getting their devices back to normal as quickly as possible. Because sometimes, even the savviest of computer users can get caught out by particularly clever cybercriminals.