When you buy a new laptop, you want it safe and protected from any form of virus(malware).

A typical definition of a computer virus is: a type of malicious software program that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. 

There are different virus a laptop gets from the internet such as computer worms, ransomware, spyware, trojan horses, keyloggers, rootkits, bootkits, and other malicious software.

What do you do when any of this virus creeps into your computer?

Here are 5 steps to keeping your laptop safe.

1. Stay up-to-date: Over half of all virus infections don’t necessarily have to happen only if we just stay up-to-date. Software vulnerabilities that malware exploits usually already have fixes available by the time the virus reaches a computer.
2. Scan for Malware: Sometimes, most commonly via email attachments malware is able to cross the firewall and end up on your computer. A malware scanner will locate and remove them from your hard disk. A real-time scanner will notice them as they arrive even before they hit the disk but at the cost of slowing down your machine a little and occasionally eve interfering with other operations. It is IMPORTANT to keep your anti-malware definitions up-to-date. Be sure to enable the scanning software’s automatic update feature and have it do so everyday.
3. Get Physical: A thief can easily get all the unencryted data on your computer if they can physically get to it. Even log-in passwords can be easily bypassed if someone has access to your computer. The most common scenario is when a laptop gets lost or stolen during travel but it can be painful when a relative or a friend access your computer without your knowledge.
4. Back Up: Backing up may not seem like a security measure but it can be one of the most powerful ways to recover if you ever come across a security-related issue. When a damage’s been done, you can quickly reverse if you have a recent backup to restore to. Having a backup goes a long way and can help you recover after your computer has been lost or stolen.
5. Enlighten Yourself: The following tips should help.

*Don’t open attachments you aren’t comfortable with . Attachments are one of the most common ways that malware spreads.

*Don’t click on email you aren’t positive are safe.

*Don’t install ‘free’ updates without checking it first.

*Don’t fall for phishing scams. Phishing is a common way that online accounts are hacked into and can lead to more serious issues like identity theft.

 

Not sure about some security warnings? Don’t ignore, research first before doing anything.

Besides, all this might look like a huge task and you say to yourself, ‘all for security measures’?.

Yes! this and much more, but when done correctly and properly, it looks pretty simple and majority of the things you need to stay safe on the internet are things you set up once and let happen automatically thereafter.