LOCK IT DOWN!

Keeping your PC safe from malware is a never-ending challenge. With new threats popping up (and then fading into the background again) all the time, we’re indebted to security experts such as Kaspersky, Norton and Bitdefender for their constant vigilance. Their security tools are constantly evolving to keep up with the changing malware landscape, but however hard they work, you can’t rely on them 100 percent to keep your protected.

Cybercriminals are increasingly preying on us directly to try and trick their way on to our machines and into our wallets. These days, you’re as likely to be the architect of your own downfall by responding to a scam alert as you are to being infected by other means. But that doesn’t mean you’re fighting a losing battle.

In this feature we’re going to reveal what types of threat are currently the most dangerous, and what you can do to ensure you remain safe from them. We’ll reveal what the latest threats are – from hack tools to adware – plus help you strengthen your network’s security and steer you towards free and paid-for tools to keep you protected. Whether you’re worried about ransomware or malicious advertising, we’ve got you covered. Make sure Windows, your applications and your security tools are all up to date, turn the page and take control of your computing security for 2020 and beyond.

The phantom menace

Adware is a growing problem, aided by social engineering. Here’s how to keep it away.

The world of malware is constantly changing and evolving – who’d heard of nasties like ransomware, cryptomining or social engineering until relatively recently? In its State of Malware 2020 report, Malwarebytes noted some interesting trends. One was that malware is increasingly focusing its attentions on business rather than consumers – presumably because cyber criminals spy bigger gains to be made.

That said, don’t ditch all your anti-virus software