Antivirus Software

Antivirus software detects and responds to various types of malware (malicious software), including viruses, worms and other programs designed to damage or disrupt a computer.

Protect your computer by doing the following:

• Install antivirus software on your computer.
• Keep your antivirus software license current.
• Ensure that it is working.
• Only open email and attachments from known senders.
• If you receive an attachment from someone you do not know or are not expecting, do not open it. Delete it.

Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-Spyware software protects against another kind of malware, called spyware. Protect your computer by doing the following: 

• Install Anti-Spyware software on your computer.
• Keep your Anti-Spyware software license current.
• Ensure that it is working.
• Read software agreements to understand exactly what applications are being installed on your computer.
• Only download items from the Internet from trusted sources.

Firewall Protection

Firewalls are systems that help prevent unauthorized access to and from computers. Protect your computer by doing the following: 

• Check your operating system to verify that your firewall is turned on.
• If you don’t have a firewall, install one.
• Use a firewall in conjunction with Antivirus and Anti-Spyware software.

Software Updates

Software Updates are necessary when companies identify application errors or weaknesses in their software or system that require stronger security protections.

• Check your computer operating system’s automatic update settings to ensure you’re receiving updates.
• Check your software programs for updates that may be available in the “Help” menu or on the software vendor’s web site.
• Pay attention to popup messages within a program: these may be notices of available software updates.