Antivirus

"Antivirus software, or anti-virus software, also known as anti-malware, is a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malware. Antivirus software was originally developed to detect and remove computer viruses, hence the name." Wikipedia

A critical core component to your security is your machine's Antivirus.

For example, for Microsoft, Windows 10 comes with a built in Antivirus protection called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. There are varying opinions of what the best offering is for protection. Apart from the built in Windows 10 antivirus software any free versions that you may opt to install are limited in their capabilities.

This is fundamentally confirmed by the sheer number of Antivirus companies out there.You may have a personal preference or, you may have an Antivirus product mandated by your corporate environment, if applicable. Whatever the product, you need to ensure that it is updated at all times.

If using the built in Microsoft Antivirus you can ensure this is enabled by

Step 1: Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen. Type in "Antivirus".

Step 2: Navigate to "Virus & threat protection". Click on it. You will then see the current status of Antivirus on your machine (on or off and, whether it is up to date). You will have the option to run a quick scan.

Should you be running a different Antivirus product you should be able to launch it by clicking on the Windows 'start' button and clicking on it. Importantly, when most paid-for versions expire they will stop giving your machine updates until you renew.

Antivirus Software Protects Against:

Malware \ Viruses\ Spyware: logs all your keystrokes and sends this information to an external party (this would include user names and passwords).

Ransomware: encrypts your files so you can no longer open them - and then asking for Ransom payment in order for them to give you the key to unencrypt your files.