When I setup a new computer, I go through a process of downloading and installing certain programs to make the system more secure when I surf the Internet. These programs won’t make your computer into a Fort Knox against malware, but they will definitely raise your defenses higher than most people. In short, I make sure my operating system is updated, install four programs, and then make a few changes to my browser.

1. Update your operating system. If you have Windows 7 or older, you need to upgrade. Not just because your computer is probably ancient, but because those versions of Windows are not updated and not secure. Windows 8.1 and 10 are still being updated. The latter comes preset to automatically update, which is the way to go.
2. Install antivirus. Most new computers come with a free trial of Norton, Symantec, or McAfee antivirus. I uninstall this stuff immediately. Microsoft Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender. It’s free and works well. If you want to install a 3rd party antivirus, download the free version of Avira. Before you can install another antivirus, you must uninstall Norton, Symantec, or whatever other trial software you have.
3. Install antispyware. Two antivirus programs won’t run simultaneously on one computer, but you can create a layered defense by installing an antispyware/malware program. These programs scan for programs that feed you ads, collect marketing information about you, or worse. Download and install Malwarebytes. This is different than antivirus software, so it will coexist with Windows Defender or Avira. Mawarebytes gives you a short trial of their premium version, then you’ll have to manually run the software every once in a while to ensure that spyware is removed from your system. If you want to automatically guard against spyware, you can pay for a license. (www.malwarebytes.com)
4. Install anti-ransomware. Ransomware is the new thing in malware. This nasty software sneaks on your computer via a malicious advertisement or bad link and then silently encrypts all your data. Once locked away in a digital locker, your computer screen flashes a screen demanding payment in order to obtain the code to unlock your data. To configure your computer to be more resistant to ransomware, install one of these free ransomware prevention programs. The first one to consider is CryptoPrevent from dx7tech.com. CryptoPrevent was one of the very first ransomware prevention utilities and its creator continues to update it. (www.dx7tech.com)
5. Secure your browser. Viruses and baddies are going to get to you through your browser or email. Securing your browser with a few modifications will help you out…big time.

Browser Securing Steps:

1. Download and Install Firefox. You’ll want to run Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. Google Chrome has run into privacy issues and it also tends to use too much memory. Edge and Firefox are considered pretty secure and regularly updated. (www.mozilla.org)
2. Install uBlock Origin to block ads. Ads are increasingly becoming a way for malware to spread these days. On Edge, go to https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/ and search for ublock origin. You will see uBlock, but you want uBlock Origin owned by Nik Rolls. Click install. On Firefox, go to https://addons.mozilla.org and search for uBlock Origin. It is maintained by Raymond Hill. Your browser should now be blocking most ads.
3. Turn off save passwords and autofill forms. Saving passwords anywhere but in an encrypted file is always a bad idea. Don’t let Firefox or Edge save your passwords:
   1. To stop Firefox from asking to save your passwords:
      1. Click the Firefox menu   in the toolbar and choose Options.
      2. Click Privacy & Security.
      3. Turn off “Remember logins and passwords for websites”.
   2. To stop Edge from asking to save your passwords:
      1. Click the Edge menu   in the toolbar and choose Settings.
      2. Click Passwords.
      3. Turn off “Offer to save passwords”.