Illegal downloads are responsible for malware and viruses?

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The widespread use of Internet for personal and professional purposes has given way to an intense security crisis for our PCs as well as mobile devices running on Android and others. It is getting difficult day by day to protect our systems from online threats such as viruses, malware, spyware, Trojans etc because they are being created in high numbers every day.

In order to reduce the number of incidents related to virus attacks on PCs it is important to first know and understand the sources of malware, viruses and other online threats.

Apart from using the appropriate antivirus software, an updated browser and an effective firewall you also need to have a vigilant eye monitoring the below mentioned sources of viruses to safeguard your system from malicious online threats.

Find below the four top sources of viruses and malware:

1. Illegal Dowloads

Illegal downloads are responsible for most of the viruses and spyware infections that affect your PC and mobile devices. Innocent users like us often fell into the traps of illegal downloads that target internet users. Viruses usually get camouflaged within such downloads and inflict serious harm to the PC in form of data loss and personal information theft.

Because of these reasons PC security experts advise that if you are downloading something about which you are not confident then first check its sanctity thorough scanning. Make it a thumb rule to scan every downloadable stuff before you finally download them on your system.

By adopting this method you can curtail the intensity of risk significantly.

2. Free Downloads

Free downloads are another means of online threats like viruses or malware. Thus it is always pays off it you check thoroughly any stuff that is free to download on the internet. Internet is full of free content related to products, services, films and games but download them only if you are sure that they do not contain any malicious element. Moreover, you are also advised to run a virus scan after you install them.

3. Software updates

Spurious software updates are considered one of the major sources of viruses and other online threats for your system. Viruses often sneak through fake software updates that are required for video streaming and go unnoticed unless your PC gets affected and harmed. It is recommended that while you are prompted to update anything first check the update on the official website of the software and download only from there if at all it is necessary.

4. Banner ads

Banner ads are considered as widely opted hideouts of viruses and other online threats. The moment you click on these banner ads harboring viruses, you add virus/spyware portals to your cookies folder. Online security experts warn you against clicking on banner ads even if something interests you. You are advised to search for that product or service through their proper websites that is considered a safer option than banner ads.

In the current digital age where we depend on the Internet for majority of our day-to-day information requirements, we need to be extra vigilant and ready to fight with these malicious threats. Our system stores many valuable as well as rare documents and we cannot afford to lose them due to these virus attacks. Our system needs to be secure with updated and proper antivirus software so that our data and system both remain safe and protected.

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