Viruses and malware are still the #1 problem we see in our repair shop. The good news? Most infections are preventable. Here are 11 practical tips we share with every customer — follow these and you'll avoid the vast majority of threats.
The first few results in a web search are often paid ads — and not all of them are legitimate. Before you click, check the URL to make sure it matches the actual company you're looking for. The same goes for links in emails: if you don't recognize the sender, don't click the link. When in doubt, go directly to the website by typing the address yourself.
Your antivirus software is only as good as its last update. Make sure it's running, active, and set to update automatically. An outdated antivirus can miss the latest threats entirely. If you're not sure yours is working properly, bring your computer by and we'll check it for you.
We recommend uBlock Origin for Chrome — it's free, lightweight, and does an excellent job blocking malicious ads before they reach you. Once installed, go into its settings and enable the privacy and malware filter lists (such as EasyPrivacy, Fanboy's Annoyances, and Malware Domain lists). These extra filters block known tracking and malware-hosting sites automatically.
When you install free software from the web, pay close attention to each step of the installer. Many programs try to bundle in extra toolbars, browser extensions, or other software you don't need. Look for pre-checked boxes and uncheck anything that isn't the program you actually want. Taking an extra 30 seconds here can save you hours of cleanup later.
Microsoft regularly releases security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers are actively exploiting. If you skip these updates, you're leaving the door open to known threats. Set Windows Update to install automatically, and restart your computer when it asks you to — those updates don't take effect until after a reboot.
If you receive an email attachment from someone you don't know, delete it. Even if the email looks official, attachments are one of the most common ways malware gets onto your computer. If an attachment comes from someone you do know but you weren't expecting it, reach out to them first and confirm they actually sent it before you open anything.
If you find a USB flash drive or someone hands you one you weren't expecting, don't plug it into your computer. Malware can be set to run automatically the moment a drive is connected. If it's not yours and you don't know exactly where it came from, it's not worth the risk.
A good password doesn't have to be a random string of characters you'll never remember. Try using a short sentence with the spaces removed — something like "MyCatLovesTuna2024" is long, memorable, and hard to crack. The most important rule: never reuse the same password across multiple sites. If one account gets compromised, you don't want them all to fall.
We get it — software can be expensive. But "free" pirated copies almost always come with hidden malware bundled right into the installer. You might think you're saving money, but you could end up paying far more to have your system cleaned or your data recovered. Stick to legitimate sources and look for free alternatives when the budget is tight.
A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, blocking unauthorized access. At a minimum, make sure the built-in Windows Firewall is turned on. For even better protection, use a router with a built-in firewall — most modern routers have one, but it may need to be enabled in the settings. This adds a second layer of defense for every device on your network.
When your Windows account has administrator privileges, any malware that gets in has full access to your system. Create a standard user account for everyday use and keep your admin account for when you actually need to install software or change settings. This way, if something tries to install itself without your knowledge, Windows will stop it and ask for the admin password first.
If your computer is already showing signs of malware — popups, slowdowns, strange behavior — don't panic. We remove viruses and malware every day. Give us a call and we'll get you cleaned up.