Protect Your Computer from Malware

- Make sure you have updated antivirus software on your computer.

- Enable automated patches for your operating system and web browser.

- Have strong passwords, and don’t use the same passwords for everything.

- Use a pop-up blocker.

- Only download software—especially free software—from sites you know and trust (malware can also come in downloadable games, file-sharing programs, and customized toolbars).

- Don’t open e-mail attachments in unsolicited e-mails, even if they come from people in your contact list, and never click on a URL contained in an e-mail, even if you think it looks safe. Instead, close out the e-mail and go to the organization’s website directly.