There are millions of computer viruses floating around cyberspace just waiting to infect your computer.

Computer viruses or so-called Spyware that can steal your personal information can both be highly dangerous.

Not only could they cause you financial loss, they could destroy precious memories stored on your computer hard drive such as music, movies and photos.

Counting the cost

A virus infection can also lead to your PC desktop or laptop being rendered unusable and it can be extremely expensive to have it repaired.

Installing anti-virus software is an obvious option and one we’d recommend, but there are many other ways you can protect your digital life online.

Here are some quick and useful tips to start you off.

Each relates to a specific topic that we examine further in a separate article. Just click the links to read more.

• Be Automated – Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Turn on the option to automatically download the latest virus definitions as they become available. This way you are always protected against the latest threats.
• Be Regular – Make backups of your digital life at least twice a week. This should include your music collection, photos, movies, home-made films and important documents.
• Be Wary – Links posted on social networks offering to take you to the latest celebrity news or gossip and pictures might not be real. Often these steer you towards website pages that hide viruses and spyware.
• Be Clever – Buy an external hard drive or USB memory device and keep it plugged in. You can then set up an automatic backup through your operating system. This means you don’t need to remember to do it and all your files, pictures and music will be kept safe in case your computer crashes or you get a virus.
• Be Suspicious – Just because there is an interesting link placed on a friend’s social network page, it doesn’t mean they have put it there. They could have become a victim of a virus and you could then unwittingly infect yourself by clicking on it. If in doubt, ask them.
• Be Organised – Keep your files and folders named and organised so you can easily find the items you want fast. It will then be easier to spot which newer ones need to be backed up.
• Be Careful – Watch out when plugging USB memory devices into other computers and then back into your one at home or work. This is a common way for computer viruses to spread.
• Be Secure – Use an online service that creates a backup of your digital life in what is known as “The Cloud”. This means all of your data is stored securely on a machine elsewhere ready to be downloaded should you lose anything. There are many options both free and paid-for.
• Be Aware – If your computer begins to run slow, crash or you experience an increase in website pop-ups, then this could be a sign your computer has become infected by a virus or spyware.

• Security Centre
• HomeSafe
• Parents Guide
  
  • Zip it, Block it, Flag it
  • Keeping your under 10's safe online
  • Keeping your over 10's safe online
  • Online gaming
  • IM, chat and social networks
  • Cyber bullying
  • Sexting
• Protect yourself
  
  • ID theft
  • Email, dos and don'ts
• Protect your things
  
  • Viruses and spyware
  • Backup safely