Once you have scanned your computer, some measures can be taken systematically to make it less exposed to the risk of infection when you are connected and to prevent it from being a vehicle of infection. In this fashion you will help limit the spread of botnets in the Internet.
Namely, use of security software, including antibotnet specific scanners, baseline antivirus programs and a firewall can help prevent infections. It is also important that such tools along with your operating system be regularly updated in order to effectively protect your computer.
Notice that along with these measures, it is important that you follow some basic principles of secure use of your computer. Namely, you should
- use secure passwords (e.g. at least 15 characters including numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters and special characters), keep them reserved and regularly change them,
- avoid opening emails from unknown senders and attachments or click links inside them,
- be careful with unknown websites since malicious software can be installed and run on your computer just by visiting the website,
- make regular backups (copies) of your data (e.g. documents, pictures, music) on an external medium so as to be prepared to reinstall your system and restore your data,
- never install software from unknown or doubtful sources, especially if it is free of charge,
- be aware of free offers, such as of money and or travel, as well as unknown links, attachments or graphics proposed while visiting a social network.
