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How can computer users protect against viruses and malware?
  • a)
    By downloading freeware and shareware software
  • b)
    By sharing personal data with unknown individuals
  • c)
    By using strong, hard-to-guess passwords
  • d)
    By opening unknown email attachments
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
How can computer users protect against viruses and malware?a)By downlo...
Protecting against viruses and malware includes using strong and unique passwords, as well as keeping software and antivirus programs up to date to reduce vulnerabilities. Opening unknown email attachments and downloading software from untrusted sources should be avoided to enhance security.
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Most Upvoted Answer
How can computer users protect against viruses and malware?a)By downlo...
Understanding the Importance of Strong Passwords
Protecting against viruses and malware requires a multi-faceted approach, and one of the most effective measures is the use of strong, hard-to-guess passwords. Here’s why this is crucial:
Enhancing Account Security
- Access Control: Strong passwords act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to online accounts, including email and financial services.
- Complexity Matters: A strong password typically includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making it harder for attackers to guess or crack.
Preventing Unauthorized Software Installation
- Malware Protection: Many viruses and malware programs target weak passwords to gain access to systems. If an attacker can access an account, they can install malicious software without the user's knowledge.
- Avoiding Phishing: Strong passwords can also mitigate the risks associated with phishing attempts, as users are less likely to fall for scams that attempt to steal their credentials.
Encouraging Regular Updates
- Password Change Protocols: Encouraging users to change their passwords regularly can further reduce the risk of malware infections. Old passwords can be compromised over time, so fresh passwords help maintain security.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Combining strong passwords with two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it even harder for malicious actors to gain access.
Conclusion
In summary, using strong, hard-to-guess passwords is essential for safeguarding against viruses and malware. This practice not only protects individual accounts but also contributes to overall cybersecurity, making it a vital strategy for all computer users.
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Similar UPSC Doubts

Read the information given below carefully and answer the following question.The internet has become the integral part of today’s generation. Internet has touched every aspect of life. With the growing use of the internet by people, protecting important information has become a necessity. A computer that is not having appropriate security controls can be infected with malicious logic and thus any type of information can be accessed in moments. Hacking of important data, network outages, computer viruses and other cyber related threats affect our lives that range from minor inconvenience to serious incidents. Cyber threats can be caused due to negligence and vulnerabilities, or unintentional accidents. The main objectives of such type of system attackers or hackers are to steal confidential information, to make illegal monetarytransactions, to destroy or to change data and the like. System attackers usually use malicious logic or virus to gain unauthorized access to a computer. Opening email attachments that carry the virus, clicking malicious links or websites or unintentionally downloading a dangerous program are common ways through which a computer can be infected and data can be stolen. As the number of data networks, digital applications, as well as internet and mobile users are growing, so do the chances of cyber exploitation and cybercrimes. If accounts are not properly secured, it makes easier for hackers or unauthorized users to spread viruses or social engineered attacks that are designed to steal data and even money.Such types of issues highlight the need for cyber security as an essential approach in protecting and preventing data from being used inappropriately. In simple language, Cyber Security or Information technology security means protecting data, networks, programs and other information from unauthorized or unintended access, destruction or change. It encompasses all the mechanisms and processes that protect digital equipment, information and records from illegal or unintended access, manipulation or destruction. In today’s dynamic environment, cyber security has become vital for individuals and families, as well as organizations that collect and store a wide range of confidential data on computers and transmit that to other computers across different networks.Social networking sites have become the mostpopular medium for sharing information and connecting with other people. But these sites have created varied opportunities for cybercrimes, compromised personal identities and information leakage. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand how to protect against cyber threats, and must also comprehend the difference between virtual and real world. One should learn how to protect computers and personal information from being hacked and should engage in appropriate online behaviour in order to eliminate changes of cyber threats and thereby creating a safer online environment.Q.According to this passage, how the virus gets into the computers?

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