The Common Cold

It happens to most, and it’s likely happened to you. You’re surfing the web or replying to email when suddenly you receive a pop up that your computer has a virus. Unfortunately, some users still fall prey to this ploy, and fearing the urgency of the issue, will proceed to do whatever the pop up prompts them to (such as running a virus scan) in order to eradicate the problem. It’s important to remember that the Internet is flooded with these erroneous calls to action. Nothing is so urgent that you can’t take some time to perform some light research about whether the message comes from a reliable antivirus or security program.

Read More: How to Scan Your Android Device for Viruses

Overconfidence Can Lead You Astray

For those who are a little more tech savvy, you’ve grown accustomed to those fairly obvious, prolific, low quality threats. You find them easy to detect and, as such, deem yourself impervious to the hackneyed ruse. To you, the pop ups are something of a pestering fly you have to swat away every now and again. This kind of overconfidence can lead you to overlook the more advanced malware. There is a variant, for instance, called ”Windows Advanced Security Center.” It does a pretty good job of distinguishing itself from those pesky pop-ups as a real Windows XP program. No matter how seasoned you are, it’s easy to get duped by a version that appears so legit, especially in contrast to those you’ve more readily labeled as false.

After following through on its prompt, it leads you to scan for viruses. Once you go to check on what the scan has found, the virus seizes your computer, disabling you from further use. With an actual virus in play, some malware programs will ask for immediate payments from the user to rectify the problem. Other programs essentially hold your machine for ransom, in a sense, by rendering it useless to you until you make the payment they demand.

Best Practice

Whatever you do, whether you’re at the early stages of the warning or beyond, don’t give in to the prompts and demands. Handing over your financial information will only escalate the problem beyond your machine. Always opt to seek the trusted opinion and help of professionals. Whether you’re just seeking advice in the early stages of a warning to gage the validity, or you’ve already acquiesced and now need serious technical assistance, err on the side of caution.

Make Sure Your Device is Up to Date

To ensure that your computer, tablet, and smartphone are protected against security threats, be sure that you are using the latest operating system for your device. In addition, make sure that your software is up to date so that you receive the latest bug fixes and security patches. This goes for your internet browser, too.

Read More: What You Need to Know About Acecard Trojan Malware

Pay Attention to the URL

If you’re going to log into a bank account or make a purchase online, make sure that the URL is accurate. If the URL seems to be suspicious — as in, punctuation or words have been added to the URL — do not enter any sensitive information on that website. Instead, retype the correct address, fully, into the address bar. Also, look for “https” at the beginning of the URL to show that your connection to the website is secure.

Be Careful of What You Click

Avoid clicking on ads, banners, and pop-ups that offer you any sort of service or promise. It’s possible that one of these ads may contain adware, spyware, or another type of malware. This is especially true of any pop-ups that tell you your computer has been infected by a virus. If a pop-up appears, simply click the “x” to remove it — clicking anywhere else could send you to a malicious site or install malicious content, such as fake antivirus software, onto your device. It may help to get an ad-blocker for your browser, so that you can reduce the likelihood that a malicious pop-up will appear on your screen.

Be Cautious of What You Download

Only download programs, apps, files, and etc. from a trusted source. Do some research before you download anything, and pay attention to reviews and the number of downloads. However, don’t download any apps or programs that appear suspicious in design or language, even if from a trusted source. Unfortunately, many malicious apps and programs are designed to mimic, for example, popular apps in the Play store or antivirus software.

Download Antivirus Software

The best way to protect your devices — and ensure that your can browse the Web worry-free — is by downloading antivirus software. Download PSafe Total Windows for your PC and DFNDR for your Android to protect your devices against security threats. PSafe Total Windows and DFNDR offer unbeatable, 24/7 antivirus protection so that you can continue to surf the Web, shop online, and download apps without fear of malware.