With virus developers becoming craftier by the day, it behooves all of us to take active measures to protect our computers. Even if you've been lucky in the past, a single virus infection is all it takes to compromise your online security, slow your PC to a crawl and expose personal information. However, despite how devastating certain viruses can be, keeping them at bay doesn't have to be an arduous undertaking. A little bit of cybersecurity knowhow and a willingness to exercise basic caution can go a long way in the fight against computer viruses.

Utilize Dedicated Antivirus Software

There's simply no substitute for dedicated antivirus software. Even though most operating systems are equipped with their own virus-fighting features, antivirus software is needed to truly fortify your digital defenses. Dependable antivirus software can prove helpful at preventing, detecting and removing an extensive assortment of viruses and other cyberthreats. If you're currently in the market for dedicated antivirus software, limit your options to programs that provide protection from a wide range of cyberthreats, offer consistent updates to users and make support personnel easily accessible.

In order to enjoy the full benefits of your antivirus software, you'll need to install updates as they become available. Given how rapidly the number of cyberthreats expands, there's little wonder as to why so many security-focused software developers provide users with updates on a near-constant basis. The longer you sit on these updates, the more vulnerable your PC will be to certain threats. If you don't trust yourself to promptly install updates, you can save yourself the hassle by setting your software to install them automatically.

Update Your Apps and Operating System

Dedicated antivirus software isn't the only thing that needs to be consistently updated. Both your operating system and the various apps you use should be updated on a regular basis. Many updates are created to combat new threats and remedy security flaws, so by failing to install them in a timely manner, you're only increasing your chances of falling victim to a virus attack. That being the case, make a point of installing updates as they become available. You can also ensure that programs are updated in the most expedient manner possible by setting them to install updates automatically. This helps ensure that you won't be tempted to place crucial updates on the backburner, thereby compromising your computer's safety.

Don't Visit Questionable Sites

Some websites are teeming with viruses and malware. To prevent yourself from ever accidentally visiting one, take care to heed any warnings provided by your operating system, antivirus software or browser about any sites you're visiting for the first time. Furthermore, since these sites often contain virus-laden ads, make sure your browser is equipped with a good ad blocker. If your browser's built-in ad-blocking properties are insufficient, utilize a highly-rated third-party ad blocker. Additionally, for an extra layer of protection, you should also make use of a good script blocker.

Run Regular Threat Scans

Regular threat scans are crucial to keeping your computer virus-free. These scans serve to detect any viruses or other cyberthreats that are present on your PC and can be carried out via operating systems and dedicated antivirus software. As an added bonus, threat scans generally don't eat up much memory, so they can often be performed in the background without interfering with any other tasks. For best results, run at least one full-system threat scan every 24 hours. You can also save yourself the trouble of manually setting each scan into motion by setting your O.S. and/or antivirus software to carry them out automatically on the dates and times of your choosing.

Few things are more frustrating than going toe-to-toe with a computer virus. Even viruses that are considered minor can be extremely difficult to fully remove. Additionally, large-scale viruses like ransomware can take full control of your computer and compromise your personal information. That being the case, virus protection should be a priority for every security-conscious individual. While certain viruses can be formidable opponents once they find their way onto your system, preventing them from manifesting in the first place is much easier than you may think. Putting the previously discussed tips to good use can be a boon to your long-term virus prevention efforts.