Recently, I got a call from someone complaining about how she woke up to find her device corrupted. She couldn’t boot it because the SSD was completely damaged.
I asked her a series of questions, and from what I deduced, she had downloaded several things from different sites and couldn’t even place her hand on the exact site or link that caused the corrupted file.
This was painful, but you see, there are many forms of malware out there on the internet. It can come from phishing links, corrupted software, infected websites, or even unsecured wireless networks (yes, wireless networks!).
Malware is a dangerous software whose main aim is to destroy or corrupt your system’s disk. This is why cybersecurity hygiene should be practiced religiously.
To avoid having a corrupted device:
- Ensure you have a strong and updated antivirus.
- Avoid clicking any link you’re unsure of.
- Avoid downloading unverified or unsafe applications.
- Avoid unsecured wireless networks (Wi-Fi), not all free Wi-Fi is safe!
- Back up your data regularly.
- Scan your devices often for malware.
- Update all software on your devices.
- For parents, download parental control apps to monitor the software or sites your kids visit.
By doing all these, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of having your devices corrupted or compromised. Stay safe and smart online!