What's your best defense against computer infections?

Microsoft updates. Nowadays you don't even need McAfee or Norton. Viruses are not notorious like they were back in the day. If you have a Windows machine and you do your updates once a month you should be fine

Outdated software is prime for exploits and vulnerabilities. Automated scanners will crawl the interenet looking for unpatched servers to exploit and just one malicious connection on your PC can unleash a slew of attempts to exploit any unpatched software. Outside of the scary stuff and perhaps more impactful are the bugs/annoyances you could face from not being up to date. Anywhere from missing out on awesome new features to complete show stoppers and even loss of data/progress. Not malicious but a bug can be just as nasty.

Cyber threats and techniques are constantly evolving. Therefore, so must your methods, defences and knowledge. Buy great tech to help try prevent cyber attacks and keep it updated. Create DMZs - use AVs on pcs and have an education program in play. Keep up to date by following cybersecurity news and blogs, and join a cyber community to stay informed of the latest threats and hacks. Attend online conferences. Follow and engage with experts' social media content. Watch online videos, podcasts and webinars. Subscribe to vendor vulnerability alerts, releases, and advisories. Share knowledge and help everyone remain vigilant as people are most likely the break in your armour - this is mostly by error not negligence.

Applying a thin layer of Vegemite to your modem is an effective defence against today's computer Virus. If you do get a virus, don't fret. Your computer's immune system will remember the threat for next time and be better prepared!

We often focus on applications to prevent infections. However, for a user, being trained in proper computer etiquette, the do's and dont's, goes a very long way in preventing unwanted infections and attacks.

Consider Using a Dedicated Security Device Dedicated security devices like hardware firewalls or secure email gateways can add an additional layer of protection for those more concerned about security. These devices often come with advanced features and can be configured to provide robust defenses tailored to your specific needs. Stay Informed About the Latest Threat Landscape The world of cybersecurity is ever-evolving, and new threats emerge continually. Stay informed by following reliable security blogs, forums, or even social media channels specializing in cybersecurity. Being aware of the latest threats helps you take proactive measures to defend against them.

The best defense against cyber threats like computer malware is educated users. Certainly, antivirus and firewall applications do help. Though sometimes computer infections can get through these defenses. By zero-day vulnerabilities or malware relatively new that is not recognized by antivirus definitions yet. It is important for users to know how these infections occur. And become knowledgeable about the most common methods of cyber attacks. Like phishing websites, email attachments, file downloads and removable devices. My threat model includes downloading sofware only from official sources and well known developers. Examples: VLC, GIMP, Blender. Beware of similar but malicious websites. I recommend staying away from cracked software.

Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer. Keep it up to date and perform regular scans. This software can help detect and remove known threats. Remember that no defense is 100% foolproof, so it's crucial to maintain a proactive and vigilant stance when it comes to computer security. Regularly updating your knowledge and practices in response to evolving threats is key to staying safe online.

I agree with Mr. Brown here. If you keep windows up to date, and you use Windows Defender, you are fine. However, a lot of people have an issue with using "Built-In Services". These people usually use AVG, McAfee, or Norton. These antivirus programs need to be updated separately. Window updates are still crucial in that they keep the OS compatible with the updates these other programs are receiving.

Regularly Monitor Your Systems Constant vigilance can help detect any anomalies that might signal an infection early. Regularly review system logs, set up alerts for suspicious activities, and perform periodic security audits. Timely detection can limit the damage and help in faster recovery. Customize Security Settings Beyond relying on default security settings, take the time to understand and customize the security settings that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. This can include configuring your firewall to block specific types of connections or disabling certain features that might be unnecessary and could expose you to risks.

This is the most effective way to protect your computer against an infection. I have seen many computer infections over the years, but each one started with, "I received an email," or "I just clicked on this link." Most computer infections currently are due to social engineering that is used to bypass the User Access Controls. If someone can call you and get you to install a virus, it's a lot easier than hiding it in an executable, PDF, or other file.

The more the better. Always follow 3-2-1 at a minimum. 3 backups, 2 different mediums (1 on file server, 1 on USB drive), and 1 backup that is kept offsite.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Beyond using strong passwords, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security. MFA requires two or more verification methods – something you know (password), something you have (a phone), or something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition). This makes it harder for malicious actors to access a device, as knowing the password alone is insufficient.

System slowdowns might not always be aging hardware. If you have users complaining of system slowdowns, you might consider checking to see if any extra processes might be hogging up those resources!

It's important to provide reminders to your users about proper cyber hygenie practices but it's also important to understand that proper security controls must be put in place to truly reduce risk. Mitigating attacks and threats can only be successful if we have a security first approach within the different layers of our organization. While Defense in Depth maybe considered an old concept, it's still a very relatable approach for an organization's overall cybersecurity strategy.

Sometimes, the weakest link in cybersecurity is the user: While organizations often invest heavily in technical solutions like firewalls, encryption, and HIDS/NIDS, they may neglect to invest equally in educating their workforce or user base about online behaviors. Although these technical tools are effective against cyberattacks, they cannot prevent users from clicking on phishing emails. Effective cybersecurity measures must address the human element. It's important to train individuals not just to rely on these tools, but also to become part of the line of defense against threats that manage to bypass technical safeguards.

Educate Yourself and Others The human factor is often considered the weakest link in cybersecurity; little knowledge can go a long way. Educate yourself and those around you about the latest threats and how to recognize them. This can include being aware of phishing emails, understanding what a secure website looks like, and being cautious with unknown links. Regular training and awareness programs can significantly enhance your defenses against computer infections, even for personal use.

Keep it simple & do the usual, regular house keeping. Regular Patching, systems updating & it doesn’t hurt to install an EDR or an XDR for an enterprize, perhaps a simple AV for a home user.

VM snapshots are not backups!!!! You should have a legitimate backup solution in place. Snapshots are susceptible to corruption, or even file system crashes!