While all of these types of malware are concerning, there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure you stay safe both online and offline. Primarily, ensure that you have a quality antivirus installed on your system and keep it up to date. Keeping up with things such as your Windows updates is very important as sometimes Microsoft releases system and program security updates. If you are intending to surf the web, make sure your chosen internet browser is up to date as you can become infected just by visiting a page which contains malicious code.

When downloading files and programs, make sure that they come from a trusted source. If you are redirected for a download, always check the URL bar to ensure you are browsing on the site they were claiming it to come from. Never open e-mails or attachments from people you don’t know or sources you weren’t expecting something from and if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. Stay smart online and you’ll stay safe.