What you need to know
No single product can prevent every infection. Home personal computer users are better protected when they combine supported and fully updated software, reputable security protection, careful email and download habits, strong account security and reliable backups.
Key facts
- ✓Malware includes viruses, ransomware and other malicious software designed to damage systems, steal information or interrupt operations.
- ✓Software and operating-system updates close known vulnerabilities, so unsupported or unpatched home personal computers create avoidable risk.
- ✓Home users should not routinely work from administrator accounts because malware running with elevated privileges can cause greater damage.
- ✓Email attachments, links, macros and unapproved downloads remain common infection routes.
- ✓Backups should be tested and kept separate enough that malware or ransomware cannot alter every copy.
Recommended actions
- ✓Enable automatic updates for the operating system, web browser, applications and antivirus protection.
- ✓Use the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus protection or another reputable security product, and do not ignore its warnings.
- ✓Enable multi-factor authentication for email, cloud storage, shopping and other important online accounts.
- ✓Use a standard user account for everyday activity and install software only from trusted official sources.
- ✓Do not open unexpected attachments or links, even when a message appears to come from someone you know.
- ✓Keep a tested backup of important photographs and documents on separate storage or a protected cloud service.
Expected benefits
✓Lower risk of infection
✓Safer online accounts and personal files
✓Better recovery after a malware incident