Fresh Start 2021: Tips to Avoid Malware Infections | Free Antivirus

This is the first part of our blog series “New Start 2021”. The collection of tips and guides is designed to help you redesign cybersecurity for your private data and devices from scratch.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reflect once again on how to lay the foundations for an even safer year.

In the context of cybersecurity, this could mean abandoning convenient but risky login habits, thinking more carefully about what to click on, and finally running the updates that have been clicking away for a long time.

Would you like to finally tackle your cybersecurity? In this article, we'll show you how to keep your devices safe from malware in 2021 as well.

1. Think first, then click

Unfortunately, it is what it is: When it comes to cybersecurity, you are the weakest link in the chain. Phishing uses human habits and so-called social engineering to trick you into clicking exactly the wrong thing. It is responsible for 31 percent of all cybersecurity incidents and will remain the greatest threat for the next few months as attackers increasingly attempt to exploit the global switch to the home office.

Don't be fooled in 2021 and think twice before you click. Here is a few more useful tips for spotting phishing scams :

• Hover your cursor over the link to see if the URL matches the text that appears.
• Enter web addresses manually instead of clicking a link.
• Do not open any attachments to e-mails that have been sent to you without asking.
• Install an anti-phishing extension in your browser.
• Let the (alleged) sender of the email confirm unusually inquiries again by phone or chat.
• Be careful when using language that conveys a sense of urgency.
• Be careful with emails that do not address you by name.

2. Apply updates

Many types of malware exploit vulnerabilities in your applications or operating system. To fix known vulnerabilities and to protect their users, software developers regularly publish updates, which should then be applied as soon as possible.

Even if these repeated messages can be annoying, your software must be always up to date. This is the only way to keep your device safe and the risk of malware infection as low as possible.

3. Install a good AV solution

There are quite a few good antivirus and anti-malware solutions available in the market. So take the time to think about what you need. Also, read the various reviews and install a few trial versions (but not at the same time) to get a feel for the respective product.

If you are looking for a fast, reliable, and user-friendly solution, give Protegent360 Free Antivirus a free test to see if it suits you.

In this blog article for more tips on how to choose the right anti-virus software.

4. Protect router

The router is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your household, being responsible for making all your devices connected to the Internet. Here are some tips to keep it safe:

• Update firmware: Router manufacturers publish updates to the firmware (the software required for the router to function) to fix bugs, introduce new features, and improve the security of the router. Some modern routers can update their firmware automatically, but we recommend that you regularly check the router settings for updates and install available patches.
• Change default login credentials: Most routers ship with the same default user name (“admin”) and password (“password”). Such login data can of course be cracked easily. So be sure to change these to make them more secure.
• Change WiFi password: Start the new year with a new WiFi password. You will then have to reconnect all of your devices, but this will also disconnect any illegal connections to the network. Always use WPA2 or better encryption for even more security.
• Deactivating WPS: Via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), devices can be connected to the network by simply pressing a button or entering a PIN. In theory, anyone who has access to your router can gain access to the network. PINs are, in turn, much more vulnerable to brute force attacks than alphanumeric passwords. Unless you need the WPS for a very specific reason, it is best to deactivate it.
• Deactivate remote access: Many modern routers offer the option of managing them remotely while on the move. If you don't have a specific use for it, deactivate this option to reduce the risk of compromise.

5. Stay away from pirated copies

Pirated copies represent a major security risk - quite apart from the serious ethical implications, which we will not go into further here. Statistics on this are limited, but pirated software is usually infected with malware such as password-stealing Trojans, ransomware, and cryptojackers.

Use 2021 to take off your eye patch and drop your anchor back in a safe harbor. Make the ship clear by formatting your device and installing only legal applications. There are many free open source applications and tools (be it for work or productivity) that have functionality similar to purchase programs. Thanks to the increasing popularity of the free-to-play model, there is now a large selection of excellent games for gamers that you don't have to pay a cent for.

6. Remove unnecessary applications

Over the years your computer and mobile devices are sure to have accumulated numerous applications that you will never use. Now is the time to get rid of them. Software that is not updated or configured incorrectly is often used as an entry point by malware. So by removing the applications, you don't need, you not only free up memory but also reduce the risk of infection.

The free space created by uninstalling the applications you no longer need will be cleaned up the longest if you only install software that you actually need. Read the dialog boxes that appear during installation carefully to avoid accidentally installing potentially unwanted programs. And be careful with free software: if you don't pay, you might be the product.

7. Activate 2FA whenever possible

Say goodbye to one-factor authentication and use two-factor authentication (2FA) instead whenever possible.

2FA is a simple and powerful way to add even more protection to your accounts. In this method, you not only need a password to access your account but also the second type of identification, such as a verification code, a PIN, a hardware token or a biometric pattern.

So even if attackers manage to install keylogging malware on your device and gain access to your login data, they will not be able to access your 2FA-protected account without the second authentication method.

8. Secure intelligent devices

More and more devices in our homes are connected to the internet these days. While this can be extremely convenient and useful, any internet-enabled device is also a potential target for malware threats.

Here are some tips on how to secure your smart devices:

• Use network segmentation to create a separate network specifically for the intelligent devices to prevent attacks from spreading to more important devices such as your computer or smartphone.
• Change the default passwords on all of your internet-enabled devices.
• Install software and firmware updates as they are released.
• Protect your router with the measures described above.

9. Use an anti-virus solution with a cloud-based management platform

According to Deloitte figures, there are an average of 11 internet-enabled devices in a US household today. Managing the security of each individual device individually can become very confusing. So if possible, look for a cloud-based solution that allows you to manage all the devices in your home through a single portal.

Protegent360's protection solutions, for example, all come with the powerful and user-friendly Protegent360 Cloud Console.