Cybersecurity

Q&A: How to protect your computer from cyberattack

My computer doesn’t run Windows XP. Am I safe?

Even if you use a more recent Windows system you should ensure you have downloaded the latest updates and security software, to protect against viruses or malware. The security patch that Microsoft released in March, named MS17-010, can be found online. Windows 10, 8.1 and 8 all include Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus software. This guards against many types of malware and ransomware. If you’re using Windows 7 you can download Microsoft’s free Windows Security Essentials software. This will also help protect against viruses.

Any other advice?

Microsoft advises users to avoid clicking on links in or downloading attachments from emails from senders you do not recognise. It also says to block pop-ups adverts, which will stop most potentially dangerous pop-up windows with harmful links appearing on your screen.