The digital world is a gateway to endless opportunities, allowing us to truly explore and expand our abilities unlike ever before. It is prolific with things to do, see and try, however not without a risk.

Privacy and protection have long been a hot topic when it comes to computers, given how easy it is for malicious actors to gain access to our systems and data. Taking steps to ensure our privacy and protection are essential, not only for ourselves but also for the people and entities we interact with.

What's The Best Way to Safeguard Your Activity Online?

There is no one answer that fits everyone, as the best way to safeguard your activity online depends on a variety of factors. However, there are common practices that can help protect you from threats like viruses, malware, and identity theft.

Use A Secure Browser and Keep It Up to Date

Your web browser is your gateway to the internet, so it is important to use a secure browser that is up to date. Popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox offer built-in security features and regularly release updates to patch vulnerabilities.

Use A VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. This is especially important if you're using public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often unsecured and easy targets for attackers.

Keep Your Operating System And Software Up to Date

Operating systems and software programs are constantly evolving, with new features and security updates being released on a regular basis. It's important to keep your operating system and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security protections in place.

Don't Click on Suspicious Links or Download Unknown Files

One of the easiest ways for malware to end up on your computer is by clicking on a malicious link or downloading an unknown file. Be cautious of the links you click on and the files you download, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. If you're unsure about a link or file, do some research before you click or download it.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Using strong passwords is one of the best ways to protect your accounts from being hacked. In addition to using strong passwords, you should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging into an account.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data is important in case your computer is lost, stolen or damaged. It also supplies an extra level of protection against ransomware attacks, as you can restore your data from a backup if your computer is infected. There are a variety of ways you can back up your data, including using an external hard drive, cloud storage or a backup service.

Be Careful What You Share Online

Be cautious about the information you share online, as it can be used to steal your identity or target you with scams. Avoid sharing personal information like your Social Security number, birthdate or bank account details. You should also be careful about sharing sensitive information like your address or phone number.

These are all great habits you can start to reduce your chances of falling victim to the dangers your PC is susceptible to.

But what about specific products? Is there anything you can buy that will manage this for you?

While there's no single solution that can abdicate your risk all together, antivirus software is always a good place to start when looking to keep your PC secure.

What Is PC Virus Protection Software?

Antivirus software is a program or set of programs that are designed to prevent, detect and remove software viruses and other malicious code from your computer.  Antivirus software can be installed on your computer or run from a portable device, and it typically runs in the background, scanning your files and programs for any signs of malware.

How Does Antivirus Software Work?

Antivirus software works by showing and removing malicious code from your computer. It does this by scanning your files and programs for any suspicious activity, and then either quarantining or removing the malicious code. Antivirus software also has the ability to block dangerous websites and prevent you from accidentally downloading malware.

Do I Need Antivirus Software?

While it's not necessarily a must, it’s always a good idea to have some form of antivirus protection on your computer. PCs are susceptible to all sorts of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware. By having antivirus software installed on your computer, you can help protect yourself from these threats.

The Types of Antivirus Software You Can Get for Your PC

There are a few different types of antivirus software you can choose from, and the type you need will depend on your particular needs.

Free Antivirus Software

One type of antivirus software is free antivirus software. As the name implies, free antivirus software is available at no cost. While free desktop antivirus protection can be effective, it typically doesn't offer as much protection as paid antivirus software.

Paid Antivirus Software

Paid antivirus software is another type of antivirus software. As opposed to free antivirus software, paid antivirus software typically offers more features and better protection. However, it can also be more expensive.

Cloud-Based Antivirus Software

Cloud-based antivirus software is a newer type of antivirus software that's becoming increasingly popular. With cloud-based antivirus software, your computer's virus protection is provided by a remote server, rather than being installed on your computer. This can offer advantages such as, including easier updates and less strain on your computer's resources.

Other Accessories You Can Get to Protect Your Device

Although antivirus software is a great place to start, it's not the only thing you can do to protect your PC. There are other accessories you can get to help keep your computer safe.

A Good Firewall

A firewall is a piece of hardware or software that helps to protect your computer from attacks. A good firewall can help to block dangerous incoming traffic and prevent malware from spreading. Our antivirus protection solutions will come with this feature, but not all of them do.

PC Power Supply Protection

Another accessory you can get to help protect your PC is power supply protection. This type of protection helps to safeguard your computer from power surges and other electrical problems.

PC Theft Protection

Another way to protect your PC is to get the best of PC theft protection. This can be in the form of a physical lock that you can attach to your computer, or it can be a software program that helps to track your computer if it's ever lost or stolen.

A Laptop Protection Plan

If you have a laptop, another way you can help protect it is by getting a laptop protection plan. A laptop protection plan typically covers things like accidental damage, theft and extended warranty.

The Varieties of Scans Offered by Antivirus Software

Most antivirus software programs offer three different types of scans: full, quick and custom.

Full Scan

A full scan is a comprehensive scan of your entire computer, and it's typically the most thorough option. Full scans can take a while to complete, but they're worth running on a regular basis to ensure your computer is free of malware.

Quick Scan

A quick scan is a shorter and less comprehensive scan of your computer. Quick scans can be run more often than full scans, and they're typically quicker to complete. However, they may not detect all forms of malware.

Custom Scan

A custom scan allows you to specify which files or folders you want to scan. This can be useful if you're only concerned about a specific file or folder, or if you want to save time by only scanning certain areas of your computer.

The Benefits of Antivirus Software

There are benefits using antivirus software, including:

Protection Against Viruses, Trojans and Other Malware

One of the main benefits of antivirus software is that it can protect your computer from viruses, Trojans and other malware. By scanning your computer for malicious code and quarantining or dropping it, antivirus software can help keep your computer safe from these threats.

Early Detection of Malware

Another benefit of antivirus software is that it can help detect malware before it has a chance to do any damage. By scanning your computer regularly, antivirus software can help find malware early and prevent it from causing any harm.

Prevention of Dangerous Websites and Downloads

Antivirus software can also help prevent you from accidentally visiting dangerous websites or downloading malware. By blocking dangerous websites and warning you before you download a potentially malicious file, antivirus software can help keep your computer safe.

How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software for Your Needs

Because everyone's needs and risks are different, it's essential to take some key considerations into account when browsing PC security products. Keep these factors in mind so that you can get the best PC protection possible.

The Type of Protection You Need

One thing to consider when choosing antivirus software is the type of protection you need. If you only want basic protection against viruses and malware, a free antivirus program may be sufficient. However, if you want more comprehensive protection, you may need to choose a paid program.

The Features You Need

Another thing to consider when choosing antivirus software is the features you need. Some programs offer basic protection, while the top antivirus protection for PCs can come with a variety of features, such as real-time protection, a firewall and parental controls.

The Cost

Of course, one of the main considerations when choosing antivirus software is cost. Free programs are available, but they typically don't offer as much protection as paid programs. However, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to get the best laptop protection - there are many affordable, middle-of-the-road virus protection for laptop options that can provide excellent value.

Get The Protection You Need

In today's extremely digital world, the risks and possibilities associated with being online are more prominent than ever.  While the internet can be an amazing resource, it's also important to be aware of the dangers that come with being connected. By investing in the right protections, you can make sure that you and your computer are safe while you surf the web. Antivirus software is an important part of staying safe online, and by taking time to choose the right program for your needs, you can help keep your computer safe from harm.

For the best virus protection for PCs, top-of-the-line security products and more, trust Lenovo. We have an amazing selection that's all but certain to meet your needs.