Protecting your computer doesn’t have to be a full-time job, but it does require a few smart habits. Viruses and worms can slow your system to a crawl or steal your data, so here are six straightforward ways to keep them out. 1. Keep Your Software Up to Date

While antivirus looks at files, a firewall looks at traffic. It monitors the data entering and leaving your computer through the internet, blocking unauthorized access. Most operating systems have a firewall built-in; just double-check your settings to ensure it’s turned on. 4. Practice "Think Before You Click"

A virus that steals your login info is useless if it can’t crack your password. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, use a and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) . This adds a second layer of defense that a virus can't easily bypass. 6. Back Up Your Data Regularly