Good practices for protecting yourself from computer viruses

Following the very virulent attacks of last weekend by a RANSOMWARE virus (WANNACRYPT), it is good to take stock of the measures to adopt to prevent such threats.

As a reminder, a virus spreads thanks to the flaws of your operating system or your software. It is therefore essential to have an operating system and updated software.

Here is a list of 8 points, (simple enough) to respect to avoid the worst:

1. Stop working on Windows XP.

The Ramsomware WANNACRYPT mainly attacked WINDOWS XP systems. To date, there are no more system updates for this obsolete system.

2. Keep your systems up to date.

Yes we will agree, Windows updates are long! But they are mainly used to fix security vulnerabilities. Disabling or postponing them forever puts you at risk.

3. Do not use (if not the least possible ^ ^) cracked software.

The goal is not to lecture you but to warn you that cracked software contains flaws that can be exploited by a virus. Indeed the crack is that allows to use a software without official license is created from the flaws of this same software.

4. Install an antivirus / firewall (if possible professional)

You know the chorus by heart, but it is essential to remember. Do not have antivirus installed on your Windows is to declare viruses: “come and copy my data is open-bar! “

At a minimum, install AVAST or AVG or Avira as a free version, but if you are a professional or you do not want to take any chances, buy a professional antivirus. You have the choice: ESET, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, F-secure etc …

5. Pay attention to your emails!

The other favorite gateway for viruses to access your data is via email.

You will see, the rules are very simple:

Avoid opening mails from unknown senders
Open only attachments with the following extensions: jpg, png, jpeg, bmp, gif, pdf, xls (x), ppt (x), doc (x).
Never open the following attachments forever: exe, vps, ets
If you have any doubt about the extension of an attachment, contact the person sending the email.

6. Make backups, still backups always backups

You have no excuse not to perform backups. There are various systems today, for all budgets.

Your data is valuable? Protected them!

7. Do not work on a daily basis with your backup media plugged into USB (external hard drive / USB key).

These types of devices are used for archiving. Because in case of Cryptolocker type attack, the data on your connected external hard drive will also be encrypted.

8. Clean your operating system regularly.

Not every day, but at least once a month, see by quarter. CCLEANER tools will clean temporary files and cookies. This will only be good for your operating system.