Computer Malware at best will negatively impact your computer’s performance if you fail to take proper action to safeguard yourself. At worst, hackers can use computer spyware and other malware to steal your private information and quite possibly your identity! As each month passes by, greater numbers of computer viruses, spyware, and adware are appearing online putting you at risk if you do not take the appropriate action to prevent malware infection. Malware does this through the following actions:

1 – Invading Your Privacy

2 – Providing Your Private Information to Others

3 – Decreases the Efficiency of Your Computer

4 – Increases the Number of Advertisements on Your Computer

5 – Infects Friends and Family Member’s Computers!

Malware Defense Measure #1 – Use a Firewall

If you have a Windows computer that has been purchased in the last five years, it comes with a built-in Firewall. Its not the best available to use, but don’t do like your neighbor probably does…turn it on! Over 50% of home computer users do not turn on the default protection built-in to their computer’s or worse, they turn it off. Leaving your firewall on will help protect your computer against Spyware and Trojan Viruses that attempt to gain remote control of your computer for hackers.

Malware Defense Measure #2 – Update Windows and Your Anti-Malware Software

Not updating Windows is similar to just leaving your car keys in the ignition while entering a busy mall…you’re just inviting someone to attack your computer. New computer malware and spyware is released every day. Every Windows update you put off, could result in you making the hacker’s job easier.

Malware Defense Measure #3 – Adjust Web Browser Security Settings

First, consider using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome for your web browser. Many computer virus authors gear attacks to Internet Explorer. If you do use Internet Explorer, adjusting your security settings for the Web Browser to an Internet Zone level of Medium or higher will help prevent your computer from being infected with malware. This is the default setting starting with computers that run Windows XP Service Pack 2. To confirm your current Internet Explorer settings and change them if need be, take the following actions:

1 – Open Internet Explorer. Select “Tools->Internet Options>”

2 – Choose the “Security” tab and then toggle the security setting to medium or higher.

Malware Defense Measure #4 – Download and Install Anti-Malware Software

There are a number of Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware software packages available online. MalwareBytes and AVG are two freely available options and most of the well-known commercial products produced by Norton, McAfee, and other companies can be downloaded for free in a trial form. Whatever software package you choose, however, check to make sure it is legitimate by reading multiple reviews on the software to avoid being tricked into downloading fake anti-spyware, spyware such as Barracuda Spyware!

Malware Defense Measure #5 – Be Careful Online

Be careful where you travel online. Some tips to thinking about when you are checking out websites and downloading files:

- Don’t download programs or files from websites you do not trust. How do you trust a company? Well, have you heard of them before? Your Friends? Google or Bing the product or company name and get past the first page of results to see what others are saying.

- Read the EULA (end user license agreement). A lot of computer malware will tell you what they’re going to do to drive you crazy with ads…and guess what, many people give them permission to do so!

- Do not choose “Ok” or “Agree” to close out of a window online. “Alt + F4” or the big “X” in the corner of the browser window will help mitigate some of the malware threats present online.

- Be very careful of File sharing and free movie sites. Many hackers use these sites to attack corporate networks. Don’t be that guy who lets company secrets get out! You just might lose you job.

These steps will not keep you 100% protected, but just might make the Internet a little safer for you.