As a working technology teacher, I get hundreds of questions from parents about their home computers, how to do stuff, how to solve problems. I’ll share these with you. They’re always brief and always focused. Enjoy!
Q: I’m afraid of getting slammed with viruses, malware, all that bad stuff that comes with visiting the internet. What can I do?
A: If you take reasonable precautions, the chances of being hit are minimized. Here’s what I do:
- Keep my operating system, browser, and all software up to date — automatically if possible.
Most malware exploits known vulnerabilities that get patched in updates. Turning on automatic updates for Windows/macOS, your browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox), and common apps (Adobe Reader, Java if you still use it, etc.) closes the doors attackers most often use. - Use good security software and keep it current
- On Windows → Use the built-in Microsoft Defender (it’s surprisingly capable in 2026) or add a well-regarded third-party option (Bitdefender, Malwarebytes Premium, Kaspersky, ESET, etc.).
- On macOS → The built-in XProtect + Gatekeeper + MRT do a solid job for most users; add extra protection only if you’re in a high-risk group.
Make sure real-time protection is enabled and definitions update automatically.
- Be suspicious of unexpected emails, messages, and links (this stops ~80–90% of infections)
- Don’t open attachments or click links in emails/texts/DMs you weren’t expecting — even if they appear to come from your bank, Microsoft, a colleague, or a friend whose account was hacked.
- Hover over links (without clicking) to see the real destination URL.
- When in doubt, go directly to the official website or call the company using a known number.
- Only download software from official sources or trusted app stores
Avoid “free” versions of paid software, cracked games, keygens, “movie download” sites, or random .exe files from forums/Google Drive links. Piracy and “free stuff” sites remain one of the top malware delivery methods. - Use strong, unique passwords + enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere possible
- Don’t disable built-in protections
- Keep Windows Defender/SmartScreen, macOS Gatekeeper, and browser protections turned on.
- Avoid running your everyday account as Administrator (use a standard user account for daily work; elevate only when needed).
- Think before plugging in unknown USB drives or external devices
- Back up important files regularly — and test restores
Use the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite/air-gapped. Good backups turn ransomware from a catastrophe into an annoyance. - Browse cautiously — avoid sketchy sites and pop-ups
- If something feels off, act quickly
Unusual slowness, pop-ups, new browser toolbars/extensions you didn’t install, files disappearing/renamed → run a full scan with your antivirus + a second opinion tool like Malwarebytes (free version is fine for on-demand scans).
This is a good start. Let me know if there’s anything else you include in your weekly routine.
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Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
