The world as a whole is a vast digital ecosystem. Statista reports that about two-thirds of the world are internet users in 2023. That is roughly 5.2 billion people that theoretically can interact with one another. Unfortunately, elements perpetrate harm in the digital world just as in the physical world.
The design of viruses helps them enter and disrupt this ecosystem. However, they do not do so in the same way. Sometimes, viruses infiltrate and infect as a result of human errors. Other times, they exploit system vulnerabilities.
This article explores the specific ways that act and how people can secure their devices against them.
How Viruses Viruses Infiltrate and Spread between Computers
As implied above, there is no shortage of ways for viruses to infect a computer. Once they do so, though, they strive to spread swiftly through devices. Here are some of the ways they infiltrate and spread their harm through interconnected devices:
● Email attachments;
● Removable media;
● File sharing;
● Network vulnerabilities;
● Infected websites.
Email Attachments
Email attachments or links are one of the most common means of infiltration. When downloaded, an unsuspecting user downloads the malicious code as well. Similar codes are downloadable from email links, too. As such, the first step to not compromising your device through this route is learning to identify harmful emails, attachments, and links.
Removable Media
This may be worse in some scenarios than email attachments and infected websites. A removable device may contain harmful autorun files, which would execute immediately after entry into the device.
File Sharing
File-sharing platforms and apps are a potential source of viruses. Some entities online use such platforms to source books, videos, etc., to web users without needing legitimate payments. As such, there may be some harmful files among those shared.
Network Vulnerabilities
A network vulnerability may originate from hardware or software issues. Viruses can leverage the flaw to infiltrate a network or device where they exist.
In the case of hardware issues, vulnerability, and penetration testing could help identify the specific problem. Software problems, though, are in the domain of software developers. They identify irregularities and release updates to fix them.
How to Secure Devices Against Viruses?
Securing devices from viruses requires a multidimensional approach. On one hand, the user of the devices needs to imbibe excellent cyber hygiene practices. On the other hand, they need to employ relevant tools. The following tips contain elements of both methodologies.
Use of Antivirus Software
Antiviruses exist to identify and prevent viruses from infiltrating a device or network. Where they have entered, the software promptly places and expels them.
However, not all antiviruses are the same. Some are more reputable than others, and you should target those. Once installed, it is crucial to update the software regularly. Its identification of viruses may be partially or wholly dependent on its signature database. Regularly updating means your software uses an up-to-date database.
Furthermore, regularly scheduled scans go a long way to protecting a device. Such scans would identify and eliminate viruses that may have snuck in.
Using a VPN
VPNs are popular for obscuring proxies and accessing restricted content. However, they also provide cyber security by encrypting data transmission. The encryption lends it the ability to prevent network hijacks.
The consequence of having the privacy provided by a VPN is cyber criminals can’t intercept and infect data with viruses. For guidance on integrating this protection into your internet usage, consider reading up on how to use a VPN.
Updating Software Regularly
Other than regularly updating antiviruses, other software deserves the same treatment. The reasoning behind the importance of their updates is different, though. Software developers release regular updates to fix security vulnerabilities. As such, up-to-date software has maximum security coverage. At least from the perspective of developers.
Enforcing Email Security Measures
Emails are a popular tool for scammers. So many phishing attempts are facilitated via the digital communication method. Unfortunately, that means you can’t trust every mail you receive.
No matter how tempting or promising, carefully analyze all emails. Better still, employ email security tools. Some such tools can identify and sift out emails containing potential malicious emails. As such, they would be great additions to your security arsenal.
Imbibing Healthy Cyber Hygiene Practices
Cyber hygiene practices help preserve the health of data, devices, and networks. Some such techniques have made appearances above. They include care with email attachments, suspicious links, etc.
You can add secure password habits. A compromised password risks data security. However, the access granted to malicious entities can also lead to the planting of malware.
The consequence of such plants is an infection of devices and, subsequently, networks. The only way to stop such progressive deterioration of security is to use strong passwords. Use a password manager if there are too many to commit to memory. Some have the added advantage of notifying you when your passwords surface in a data breach. You can also back up password security by employing multi-factor authentication where possible.
Conclusion
Understanding how viruses can infect your devices and networks is the first step to stopping them. The second is knowing how to stop them. You can avoid dangerous online practices and implement good ones. The information is up here. Take it and use it to good effect.
