{"id":434225,"date":"2022-04-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/"},"modified":"2022-04-20T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T21:00:00","slug":"how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3072061a8f4\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3072061a8f4\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#%E2%80%9CHow_to_Protect_Yourself_from_Viruses_Hackers_and_Thieves%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Dont_Delay_Automatic_Updates\" >Don\u2019t Delay Automatic Updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Use_Antivirus_and_Anti-Malware\" >Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Craft_Better_Passwords_and_Automate_Them\" >Craft Better Passwords, and Automate Them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Never_Leave_Your_Phone_or_Computer_Unattended\" >Never Leave Your Phone or Computer Unattended<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Know_Which_Links_Are_Safe_to_Click\" >Know Which Links Are Safe to Click<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Be_Careful_About_Programs_You_Download_and_Run_and_Stop_Pirating_Software\" >Be Careful About Programs You Download and Run (and Stop Pirating Software)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-viruses-hackers-and-thieves\/#Dont_Trust_Any_Popup_Notifications\" >Don\u2019t Trust Any Popup Notifications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CHow_to_Protect_Yourself_from_Viruses_Hackers_and_Thieves%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div>\n<figure style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"type:primaryImage size-full wp-image-797915\" data-pagespeed-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shutterstock_1937869255.png?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 400w, https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shutterstock_1937869255.png?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 400w, 1200w\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shutterstock_1937869255.png?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Locked up image\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"type:primaryImage imagecredit\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-illustration\/closed-padlock-on-digital-background-technology-1937869255\">GreenTech\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>People often think of computer security as something technical and complicated. And when you get into the nitty-gritty, it can be \u2014 but the most important stuff is actually very simple. Here are the basic, important things you should do to make yourself safer online.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Delay_Automatic_Updates\"><\/span>Don\u2019t Delay Automatic Updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All the software <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>lications we use every day are likely riddled with security issues. These security issues are constantly being found \u2014 whether we\u2019re talking about Windows, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Adobe\u2019s PDF Reader, Microsoft Office \u2014 the list goes on and on.<\/p>\n<p>These days, a lot of operating systems and programs come with automatic updates to close these security holes. No longer do you need to click a button or download a file to update your software; it\u2019ll update itself in the background without any input from you.<\/p>\n<p>Some people like to turn this off for one reason or another. Others will delay it for weeks. Maybe you don\u2019t like that Windows restarts after installing an update, or maybe you just don\u2019t like change. But from a security perspective, you should always leave automatic updates on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Keep Your Windows PC and Apps Up to Date<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have turned off automatic updates previously, for any of your software,\u00a0go turn them on right now, and then come back to this. Good job.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-797944\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/resume-updates.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Resume your auto updates if you have them off.\" width=\"650\" height=\"309\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Why You Need To Install Windows Updates Automatically<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Keeping your computer up-to-date is the number one way to keep it safe against online threats. Microsoft provides updates for Windows and associated Microsoft products (Defender, Office) on the second Tuesday of each month. Apple doesn\u2019t have a regimented schedule, but they also regularly provide updates. These updates not only\u00a0fix bugs, but they patch security holes. So the only way to protect yourself against the latest known vulnerabilities is by updating. Malicious attackers are always looking for unpatched systems they can attack, and automatic updates keeps you off the list of low hanging fruit.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Antivirus_and_Anti-Malware\"><\/span>Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It seems like every couple of years an article will come out saying one antivirus is the absolute best. Three more will follow saying three others outperformed the first. On top of these, some security expert will write an article saying antivirus is no longer relevant and you\u2019re dumb if you use it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Do I Really Need Antivirus If I Browse Carefully and Use Common Sense?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s set the record straight: you should be running antivirus, even if you\u2019re careful on the web. Which one? It\u2019s up to you \u2014 though when it comes to free, simple, and good, there\u2019s nothing wrong with using Microsoft Defender. It\u2019s built in to Windows, it updates automatically with the Windows Update utility, it has a minimal impact on performance, and it\u2019s free. To be effective, an antivirus application need to integrate with the operating system on a very deep level. Who better to know the internals of Windows than the people who built it? Plus, it won\u2019t try\u00a0to sell you other products or inject other features you don\u2019t need, like some antivirus programs do.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-797987\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/virusthreat.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Windows defender is aupdated and active.\" width=\"296\" height=\"500\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>What&#8217;s the Best Antivirus for Windows 10? (Is Windows Defender Good Enough?)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, in addition to antivirus, we also recommend using <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.jdoqocy.com\/click-3607085-11971602?sid=ct225385\">Malwarebytes<\/a>\u00a0alongside your antivirus. Just like your belt can use a good pair of suspenders to give it a little help, applications like Malwarebytes can provide extra protection against malicious software that traditional antivirus products may not identify. Malicious programs like browser re-directors and advertisement injectors behave exactly like some known legitimate\u00a0network filters. They\u2019re not technically viruses, but you definitely don\u2019t want them. Anti-malware applications can help you with those. Malwarebytes offers a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.malwarebytes.com\/mwb-download\">premium trial for two weeks<\/a>, then it is $40 per year, but you can get some of its features for free.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-797762\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/loud.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"MalwareByte's premium trial.\" width=\"650\" height=\"481\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>With that one-two punch combo, you should be safe from a lot of the threats out there.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craft_Better_Passwords_and_Automate_Them\"><\/span>Craft Better Passwords, and Automate Them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Your Passwords Are Terrible, and It&#8217;s Time to Do Something About It<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You probably know passwords are\u00a0important, but you probably don\u2019t know how important \u2014 and how terrible most people\u2019s passwords actually are.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s the thing: we\u2019re no longer in the olden days of the internet, where you can just use the same password everywhere and call it a day. Services get hacked all the time, and if you\u2019re using the same password everywhere,\u00a0you\u2019ve given someone access to <em>all<\/em> of your accounts\u00a0when one service leaks information. You need to use long passwords and you need to use different ones on every site and service.<\/p>\n<p>To do this, I recommend everyone use a password manager\u00a0like <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/lastpass.wo8g.net\/234eO\">LastPass<\/a>. It\u2019ll automatically generate passwords for you, save them securely in one central place, and even automatically insert them for you as you browse. Password managers will also save you from phishing and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudsavvyit.com\/11288\/what-is-typosquatting-and-how-do-scammers-use-it\/\">typosquatting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/img_56a93c080d121.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"LastPass main screen.\" width=\"649\" height=\"370\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>You should also have a password or PIN on your computer and a passcode on your phone, too. I know, I know, it\u2019s inconvenient. But while it may take a few seconds longer than just hitting one button, it\u2019s an easy and important way to keep your information secure. Having a password on your computer and phone will stop random people from just picking up and using your device.<\/p>\n<p>Think of all the information on your cell phone. Now think of all the websites you\u2019re logged into on your computer. Would you want a stranger having all that access?\u00a0Do you know how easy it is to lose your phone or laptop? You <em>need<\/em> to have a password on your computer and phone. No exceptions.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-300032 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/no_button_login.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Windows 10 login screen. \" width=\"650\" height=\"350\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>PSA: Encrypt Your PC, Phone, and Tablet Now. You&#8217;ll Regret It Later If You Don&#8217;t<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But that\u2019s not all. A good password is like a really good lock on the door, but locks can be picked. Adding encryption turns that door\u00a0into a bunker. If you encrypt your computer or phone, you prevent thieves from getting to your\u00a0data by other more advanced means. We recommend using BitLocker on Windows if you have Windows Pro or Enterprise, or VeraCrypt if you have Windows Home. Mac users should\u00a0turn on FileVault. iPhones and Android phones are usually encrypted by default these days, but you can double check in the settings to be sure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudsavvyit.com\/11288\/what-is-typosquatting-and-how-do-scammers-use-it\/\"><strong><em>What is Typosquatting and How Do Scammers Use it?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Never_Leave_Your_Phone_or_Computer_Unattended\"><\/span>Never Leave Your Phone or Computer Unattended<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-798023\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shutterstock_286756892.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A laptop left open on a park bench.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"imagecredit\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/laptop-on-bench-autumn-park-286756892\">Sabphoto\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This may seem obvious, but it deserves saying: never, ever, <em>ever<\/em> leave your computer or phone unattended in public. On your coffee table in your house? Sure. On your table at Starbucks? No way. Doing so is <em>asking<\/em> for it to be stolen.<\/p>\n<p>If your device gets stolen, the best case\u00a0scenario is you losing your expensive device. But if you leave something unattended and you haven\u2019t followed all of the above advice, the worst case scenario is that someone has your expensive gadget <em>and<\/em> all of your personal information. All it takes is a kid with slightly-more-than-basic computer knowledge to get at all your data, and if they have your computer in their hands, it\u2019s a lot easier (if you don\u2019t use\u00a0encryption \u2014 see above).<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_Which_Links_Are_Safe_to_Click\"><\/span>Know Which Links Are Safe to Click<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Online Security: Breaking Down the Anatomy of a Phishing Email<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You hear it all the time: don\u2019t open emails or direct messages (DMs) from people you don\u2019t know, and don\u2019t click on links you don\u2019t trust. But that isn\u2019t enough. A lot of times, malicious links can come from friends who have been infected, or from emails, messages, or texts that <em>look<\/em> legitimate, but are actually fake. This is known as <em>phishing<\/em>. Phishing takes many forms \u2014 ranging from emails, to <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a> schemes, to personalized text phishing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Beware These 7 Facebook Scams<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want to be truly secure, you could never click on links you\u2019re sent. But that\u2019s just not realistic or convenient, although we do recommend against clicking email links to sensitive locations like your bank\u2019s website. Just head to your bank\u2019s website normally. For other links, the middle ground option is knowing how to investigate a link before you click on it \u2014 yes, even ones from your friends.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-298162 size-large\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/links_in_email-650x99.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"The link's address is shown in the bottom left corner of your browser.\" width=\"640\" height=\"97\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>First, check is if this link goes where it says it goes. If you hover your cursor over the link, the destination should pop up at the bottom of your browser window.\u00a0If it doesn\u2019t, right-click on the link and select \u201cCopy link address.\u201d You can then paste this somewhere safe (like a Notepad document) and examine it.<\/p>\n<p>If the link says \u201cebay.com\u201d, but the real destination says \u201cebay.clickme.com\u201d, something is suspicious, and you shouldn\u2019t click. Remember, just because it has the word \u201cebay\u201d in it doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s going to Ebay, either \u2014 it needs to be before that \u201c.com\u201d to be truly legitimate.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Careful_About_Programs_You_Download_and_Run_and_Stop_Pirating_Software\"><\/span>Be Careful About Programs You Download and Run (and Stop Pirating Software)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This tip\u00a0may also seem obvious \u2014 you hear it all the time, and probably think you follow it. But so much of the malware Windows users encounter seems to be as a result of accidentally downloading and installing bad software.<\/p>\n<p>So always be careful about the programs you download and run. Only download and run software that\u2019s widely known and trustworthy, or recommended by trustworthy sites. Make sure you always get the software from its official website \u2014 -if you want to download VLC, download it from VLC\u2019s official website. Don\u2019t click a \u201cDownload VLC\u201d banner on another website and download it from someone else that may bundle malware or adware along with it. Even if you\u2019re using a search engine, make sure it\u2019s leading you to the real site.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Avoid Installing Junk Programs When Downloading Free Software<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And, when downloading software, be sure to watch out for advertisement banners disguised as \u201cDownload\u201d links that will take you elsewhere and try to trick you into downloading possibly malicious software. And uncheck any bundled software that comes with a program\u2014even a legitimate one.<\/p>\n<p>Be aware that there are many different types of \u201cprograms\u201d \u2014 for example, screensavers in .SCR format are essentially just programs and could contain harmful malware. We\u2019ve got a list of 50+ different types of file extensions that are potentially dangerous on Windows.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/open-file-security-warning-header.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"A warning from Windows about an installer. \" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lastly, and this should go without saying, stop pirating software. When you acquire pirated or cracked software from peer-to-peer networks or shady websites, you\u2019re taking a big risk. By running an .exe file from such locations, you\u2019re trusting the distributor to not do anything harmful. Worse yet, the cracks you may need to run to make such software work properly are made by software-cracking groups. You can\u2019t know if they\u2019ve included malware or not.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Trust_Any_Popup_Notifications\"><\/span>Don\u2019t Trust Any Popup Notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Similarly, never download or install something you didn\u2019t go looking for. If a website tells you Flash is out of date, Chrome needs to be updated, or an extension needs to be added, pump your brakes. This is a common trick to get you to install something for an attacker.\u00a0 Even if you think the pop-up might be legitimate, you still shouldn\u2019t click on it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-300035 size-full\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/update-flash-fake.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"An annoying Flash popup.\" width=\"650\" height=\"336\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s use Flash as an example. Flash has been deprecated for years. Even so, it is still common to encounter popups warning you need the latest version to get that cat video to play. If you are accessing a website that has content old enough to actually need Flash, there are\u00a0better (but <em>not<\/em> safe) ways to install it. Flash has been totally replaced across most websites, so seeing a popup about it is a gargantuan red flag.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Tell Your Relatives: No, Microsoft Won&#8217;t Call You About Your Computer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This applies to \u201ctech support\u201d, too. Don\u2019t believe any site that says it\u2019s detected a virus on your system (or any calls from Microsoft), or that it has detected 135 things slowing down your system. If a popup says you have a problem with your computer, don\u2019t click on it. Instead, go to your Start menu, open your antivirus program of choice, and run a scan from there instead. If you\u2019re worried your system is running slowly, there are some easy steps you can take to speed it up.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>None of these ideas are particularly high tech. They\u2019re not advanced. They don\u2019t take complex programs or a degree in computer <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/sciencee\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"5\" title=\"Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">science<\/a> to implement. They\u2019re simple ways to adjust your behavior that will greatly improve your security \u2014 and everyone can (and should) use them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/173478\/10-important-computer-security-practices-you-should-follow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves&#8221; GreenTech\/Shutterstock.com People often think of computer security as something technical and complicated. And when you get into the nitty-gritty, it can be \u2014 but the most important stuff is actually very simple. Here are the basic, important things you should do to make yourself safer online&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":434226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shutterstock_1937869255.png?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-434225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/434225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=434225"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/434225\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=434225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=434225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=434225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}