Malware is any software designed to harm your computer, steal information or lock your files. The good news: a few simple habits block most of it, and the tools you need are already built into Windows and macOS.
Windows includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Macs include XProtect. Both run quietly in the background and update themselves.
Never disable your antivirus to get a program or website to work, even if instructions online tell you to. If something is being blocked, ask us first. There is usually a safe way to do it.
Most malware gets in through known security holes that have already been fixed by an update. Allow Windows, macOS, your web browser and programs such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader to update, and restart your computer when asked. See our article on keeping your devices updated for step-by-step instructions.
An administrator account can install software and change system settings, and so can any malware that runs while you are signed in to it. For daily work, use a standard account and keep the administrator password for installations only.
If you would like help setting this up for your team, we can do it with you.
.exe, .js or .iso, and Office documents that ask you to "Enable Content" or "Enable Macros".No protection is perfect. A recent, working backup is what lets you recover if malware damages or locks your files. Make sure your backups run automatically and are tested from time to time.
Signs that something may be wrong: the computer is suddenly very slow, new toolbars or programs appear, your browser home page changes on its own, or friends receive strange emails from you. If you notice any of these, stop and contact us before trying to fix it yourself.
Open a ticket and a real person from our team will get back to you. You can also email [email protected].