How to Protect Your Data from Malicious Software | Secure Cloud Backup Software | Nordic Backup

No matter what you use your computer for, whether it’s for a business or just personal use, protecting your data is vital. Malicious software is all around us as a result of modern technology, and any computer can be affected.

You must be aware of what malicious software is and what it looks like in order to protect your information from being stolen or wiped clean. In this article, we’ll also teach you how to protect your data with the most effective methods. That way, whether it’s cherished home videos and pictures or pertinent client data, you won’t lose any of your precious information.

What Exactly is Malicious Software?

Let’s start with the basics. Malicious software, or malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer system. Malware can come in different forms, including worms, viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, and more. Oftentimes, malware will disguise itself as another application that looks appealing to download, such as a virus scanner, a browser toolbar, or a search engine. It’ll monitor and record your activities, and then it can install even worse things onto your laptop or computer.

All of these have the potential to steal protected data, delete documents, or add software not approved by you. They’re all bad news and can wreak havoc on your system, so preventative measures should always be taken to avoid them. If not, you run the risk of identity theft, or in the case of businesses, financial loss and company downtime — both of which are frequent results of malicious attacks.


How Did I Get Malware on My Computer?

In general, you end up with malware because you unknowingly installed it. Either way, malware can only work if the program runs without being shut down or deleted completely. Online criminals are skilled in tricking users. They know what mistakes users are likely to make, so they target people who have probably never fallen for a scam before. All it really takes is just one wrong click.

Sometimes malware is packaged into more legitimate-looking software. Clicking a fake error message or disguised email attachments are some of the most common ways it gets downloaded.

How to Protect Your Data

These are some precautions you can take to protect your data from malware. Because there are so many different types, sometimes it’s best to treat each one with different protection.

  • Backup all your data. The only foolproof way to protect your data from being lost forever is by backing it up to a trusted and secure online backup provider. Backing up your data with a secure software will ensure your data is never actually lost. Going the extra mile and securing it with a trusted provider gives you even more security and peace of mind knowing the data is in good hands. If something does happen to your laptop or computer, you can still retrieve all of your information without hassle and headache.
  • Update your operating systems and programs that you use. Frequently check for software updates and patches to make sure you have updated versions.
  • Be wary of strange emails, especially those with attachments or links. Always contact the sender to ask if the email is legitimate if it looks weird.
  • Watch what you click. When browsing around on the Internet, it’s easy to get lost in all the links and enticing features. When pop-up windows appear, don’t just click the OK button because that’ll usually just take you to another pop-up. Also, don’t install anything without reading a license agreement first!
  • Take caution with social network spam. If it looks like your Facebook friend is spreading spam (whether they know it or not), notify them about it offline. Don’t click into the message if it appears like something they wouldn’t send. Never click links without verifying its legitimacy with your friend first.
  • Avoid using Internet Explorer. IE has some inherent problems and vulnerabilities that attract malware installation, even by just browsing a corruptive website. Chrome is only of the more secure web browsers in the marketplace, and using Adblock Plus with Chrome is another good way to protect yourself from downloading malware.
  • Remove spam. When you get spam (because we all do), let your email provider know about it by identifying it as spam. Then delete it from your inbox.
  • Install antivirus software. Look at reviews online to do sufficient research on the best antivirus softwares. They should scan and update regularly. Antivirus softwares help to remove and prevent viruses, worms, trojans, and some spyware. It’s important to note, however, that antivirus software won’t recover your files if they’re lost. The only measure that will really do that for you is backing up your data.
  • Install anti-spyware and anti-adware software. These should also scan and update regularly. They’ll remove and sometimes prevent future adware and spyware. Remember, each malicious software does something different to your computer, so each often needs its own protection.


It’s pertinent to be aware of all the malicious software out there and know how to protect your data from an attack. However, hackers are getting pretty sneaky, so sometimes even the most skeptical Internet user can still be duped. Make sure your information is backed up on a secure server as a preventative measure. 

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