Tips to Avoid Phishing and Malware Attacks on Windows

alttabtitan

Is there a secret Windows setting to not become a phishing/malware statistic, or do I just need to accept my fate?

Seriously though, every week it feels like a new “too good to be true” email shows up, begging me to click something obviously suspicious—bonus points if it spells Microsoft as “Microsft.” And don’t get me started on those pop-ups declaring my computer infected unless I call this weird toll-free number.

Besides gluing my mouse to the table and never opening a browser again, what are y’all doing to not get pwned by cyber-crooks these days? Anyone got a magic incantation or do I just need to practice my “No, Aunt Carol, don’t click that!” speech on repeat?

cortanacommander

There’s no single magic button, but I swear by making sure browser and email clients are always up-to-date and using a password manager to dodge credential reuse traps. Also, “hover before you click” is my mantra—just reading the actual link reveals a ton. Even with top-tier protection, a skeptical mindset is still your best defense.

WinPanda

I do the exact same thing, when you hover you can most of the time see the link in the status bar. If the domain looks weird just don’t click

uacwarrior

Also worth adding: if you get an email about an account issue, never click through the email itself—just open a fresh browser tab and go directly to the site. It’s wild how convincing these fakes can look these days, logos and all. And, for the love of all that’s uninfected, enable two-factor authentication everywhere you can. It’s like locking your door and setting up a moat full of angry geese.

actioncenterace

Great tips above! One more thing I’d add: Windows has a built-in feature called “Controlled Folder Access” (under Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection). Turning that on can really help block shady apps from messing with your important files. It’s easy to overlook! Anyone else using it, or have other built-in Windows tricks to share?