Install Antivirus Software

Computer viruses are software programs that are designed by online attackers to invade your personal computer, interfere with its operation, and copy, corrupt or delete your system files or personal data. These malicious software programs are called viruses because they are designed not only to infect and damage one computer, but to spread to other computers all across the Internet.

Computer viruses are often hidden in what appear to be useful or entertaining programs or e-mail attachments, such as computer games, video clips or photos. Many such viruses are spread inadvertently by computer users, who unwittingly pass them along in e-mail to friends and colleagues.

Guard Against Worms and Trojans

More sophisticated viruses, called worms, can replicate automatically and send themselves to other computers by taking control of certain software programs on your PC. Other viruses, called Trojans in honor of the Trojan horse, actually masquerade as beneficial programs while quietly destroying data and damaging your computer system.

Antivirus software helps you protect your computer by scanning every e-mail, application or piece of content that enters your PC. Strong antivirus programs can detect and destroy thousands of specific viruses before they have a chance to damage your computer system.

Keep Your Antivirus Software Updated

Yet, just as you need a flu shot every year to guard against new viruses, antivirus software only remains effective if you keep it up to date.

Online attackers are constantly creating new viruses and worms, and devising new ways to invade and damage your computer. To protect your computer from these threats, make sure you never let your antivirus program expire, and keep the software up to date with the latest updates from the manufacturer.

To learn more about antivirus software, and how it can help you protect your computer, see What are Viruses, Worms and Trojans? in the Staysafe Toolbox.