Why Do Computers Get Infected and How to Protect Yours

Written By Timothy Lally

We’ve all been there—our computer starts acting weird, slows down, or worse, a virus takes over. It’s frustrating, sometimes even a little scary. But have you ever wondered why this happens? The truth is, most of the time, the reason isn’t some high-level hacker targeting you specifically. It usually boils down to something much simpler: human error. 

So, What’s the Main Cause?

User oversight is one of the most common reasons hackers or viruses compromise computers. The biggest culprit? Outdated software. Think about your operating system, web browser, or even that free video player you downloaded months ago. If it’s not regularly updated, it’s like leaving your front door unlocked. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your system.

Another major issue is Phishing. Those random emails claiming to be from your bank or offering too-good-to-be-true deals? Many of these are fake. Hackers disguise emails or websites to look legitimate, tricking you into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments, unknowingly giving them access to your device.

How to Prevent Your Computer from Getting Hacked or Infected

Now that you understand why this happens, let’s talk about what you can do to protect yourself. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, and most of it is just common sense. Here are the top 6 ways to keep your computer safe:

1. 1. Keep Everything Updated. This is one of the simplest but most effective things you can do. Whether it’s your computer’s operating system, your antivirus program, or your web browser, make sure you’re running the latest version. Software updates often include security patches that close vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. When you see that annoying update pop-up, don’t ignore it—just get it done. You would be surprised how most companies ignore this step, but this is the most common reason computers get exploited.

1. 1. Be Careful of What You Click. We’re all guilty of clicking on something without fully thinking it through. Maybe it’s a weird email, or a download from a sketchy website. The key here is to be cautious. If something seems too good to be true, or a little off, trust your gut. Avoid clicking on random links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Always double-check the sender’s email address—hackers can make it look like it’s coming from a trusted source when it’s not. Companies may not know this, but Microsoft has tools that can be used to test users and track who is more likely to click on an email they shouldn’t.

1. 1. Use Strong Passwords. We get it—remembering passwords can be a hassle. But using weak, easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password” is basically inviting hackers to your digital front door. Use unique, complex passwords for different accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them all. Many password managers integrate seamlessly with your browser, making them easier to use than you might think.

1. 1. Install a Reliable Antivirus Program. Think of antivirus software as your computer’s security guard. It won’t catch everything, but it’ll definitely help protect you from a lot of common threats. Make sure you have a reputable antivirus program installed, and again, keep it up to date.

1. 1. Back Up Your Data. No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s always good to be prepared. Regularly backing up your files means that even if the worst happens—whether it’s a virus or ransomware—you won’t lose everything. You can easily restore your files and get back to work. Tools like OneDrive offer real-time backups, and even allow you to restore previous versions if a file becomes corrupted.

1. 1. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi. We all love free Wi-Fi at coffee shops, but public networks can be a hacker’s playground. If you’re using public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like your bank or email. Or better yet, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security. There are simple applications that can help encrypt public Wi-Fi such as Nord VPN for an added level of protection.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, keeping your computer safe from viruses and hackers doesn’t have to be complicated. By staying cautious, keeping your software up-to-date, and using basic security practices like strong passwords and antivirus software, you’re already a step ahead of most threats. And if something does go wrong? Backing up your data will make sure you can recover quickly without losing everything.

So, relax—you’ve got this! Just stay smart online, and you’ll minimize your chances of getting hacked or infected with a virus. Happy (and safe) browsing!