Keeping your PC secure?

Radec · 21 Mar 2014 at 18:59

I've just purchased a new PSU and set it, so now finally, I've completed my PC, and can use it fully.

I'm still pretty new to PC's, and was just wondering what I can do just to make sure I don't infect it with viruses and stuff, and to just make sure it's safe to be able to shop, use online banking ect.

Yes, i know not to go on any dodgy sites, but I do download programmes ect

I've downloaded Microsoft security essentials, seems to be okay.
Should I do anything else??

What do you guys do to make sure your PC's are secure.

Thanks

thenewoc · 21 Mar 2014 at 20:29

I tend to look at the testing these people do and pick one that is good at the proactive (heuristic) detection as I perceive the risk being higher in the unkown / just released virus category.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/comparatives-reviews/

If you have an online bank account with barclays they've been doing Kaspersky for free for a number of years and it includes their mobile protection app if you have an android device too.

KIA · 22 Mar 2014 at 14:13

Don't rely on A/V.
Don't disable Windows Update.
Don't disable UAC.
Uninstall Java if you don't use it.
Use Secunia PSI.
Use Chrome or Firefox as your main browser & enable the click-to-play plug-in feature.
Think before you click.

http://krebsonsecurity.com/tools-for-a-safer-pc/
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2011/05/krebss-3-basic-rules-for-online-safety/

theheyes · 24 Mar 2014 at 08:40

If by 'download programs' you mean things like imgburn, vlc, Firefox, then there isn't much risk associated with that as long as you get them from a trusted source.

On the other hand if you mean pirated software then you're really on a hiding to nothing.

cuffylad · 24 Mar 2014 at 08:57

KIA said:
Use Secunia PSI.

I had never heard of this before so had to google it, looks like a handy little program. Will install it tonight, thanks.