Craig the Computer Geek
Topic 5 — All Topics

How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses and Other Nasties

The internet is a wonderful place — but like any public space, it’s worth knowing how to stay safe. The good news is that a few simple habits…

🛡️

The internet is a wonderful place — but like any public space, it’s worth knowing how to stay safe. The good news is that a few simple habits will protect you from the vast majority of online threats.

🦠 Know What You’re Protecting Against

Viruses

Programs that sneak onto your computer and cause damage — slowing it down, destroying files, or sending your data to criminals.

Scam Emails

Fake emails pretending to be from your bank, the government, or a delivery company — designed to steal your password or money.

Ransomware

Locks all your files and demands payment to get them back. This is exactly why backups (Topic 3) are so important.

Pop-up Scams

Fake warning messages appearing on screen claiming your computer has a virus. They’re not real — don’t click them!

Spyware

Secretly watches what you type — including passwords and banking details — and sends it to criminals.

Fake Tech Support

Phone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Telstra, or the government. They are fake. Hang up immediately.

🛡️ Windows Security — Your Free Built-In Protection

Great news: Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a free, built-in antivirus program called Windows Security (also known as Windows Defender). It runs quietly in the background and automatically updates itself. You don’t need to buy extra antivirus software.

  1. Press the ⊞ Win key and type “Windows Security”. Click it to open.
  2. You should see green tick marks () on each section. This means you’re protected.
  3. If you see a red X on any section, click it to find out what action is needed.
  4. To run a check, click “Virus & threat protection” then “Quick scan”. It takes 2–5 minutes.
📅 Run a scan monthly
Set a reminder to open Windows Security and run a Quick Scan once a month. It only takes a few minutes and gives you peace of mind.

📧 How to Spot a Scam Email

Scam emails are the most common way viruses and fraud happen. Learning to recognise them is the single most valuable skill for staying safe online.

💡 Craig’s tip — hover to reveal the real sender
Before you open or click anything in an email, hover your mouse over the sender’s name and hold it there for a second. A small tooltip will appear showing the real email address behind the display name. Scammers will often show a friendly name like “ANZ Bank” or “Microsoft Support” — but when you hover, the real address is revealed as something completely different, like noreply@suspicious-domain.ru. If the real address doesn’t match the organisation it claims to be from, it’s a scam. Delete it immediately.

RED FLAGS — Be Very Suspicious

  • You weren’t expecting the email
  • Urgent language: “Act now!” or “Your account will be closed!”
  • Asks you to click a link and enter your password
  • Spelling mistakes or strange email addresses
  • Threatens fines, legal action, or arrest
  • The sender’s email address looks odd (e.g. anz-bank-secure@gmail.com)

SAFE SIGNS — These Are Fine

  • You were expecting this email
  • It’s from someone you know personally
  • No links asking you to sign in urgently
  • The sender’s email address looks genuine
  • No pressure to act immediately
  • When in doubt — delete it! You can always call the company directly to check.
🏦 Your bank will never ask for this
Your bank, the ATO, Medicare, Centrelink and Microsoft will never email or call you asking for your password, PIN, or to transfer money. If someone asks for these, it is always a scam.

🌐 Safe Browsing Habits

  • Look for the padlock — Before entering any passwords or personal details online, check for a padlock icon in the address bar at the top of your browser. No padlock means the page is not secure.
  • Only download from trusted sources — Only download programs from the official website of the company that makes them. Be very wary of pop-ups offering free software downloads.
  • Close pop-up warnings carefully — Don’t click buttons inside scary pop-up windows. Instead, press the X on the tab itself, or close the entire browser window using Alt + F4.
  • Keep Windows updated — Windows updates fix security holes. Go to Settings → Windows Update and make sure automatic updates are turned on. Never ignore these updates.

🔑 Strong Passwords — Your Secret Weapon

WEAK passwords

  • password, 123456, abc123
  • Your name or birthday
  • Your pet’s name or address
  • Short words (under 8 characters)
  • The same password used everywhere

🔑 STRONG passwords

  • At least 12 characters long
  • Mix of letters, numbers and symbols
  • Try a passphrase: three random words
    e.g. PurpleFrogRocket7!
  • Different for each website
  • Use a password manager app to remember them

🆘 What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Hacked

  1. Disconnect from the internet — Turn off your Wi-Fi immediately to stop the problem spreading.
  2. Run a full scan — Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Full scan.
  3. Change your passwords — Especially email, banking, and any website where you used the same password.
  4. Call your bank — If you entered any banking details somewhere suspicious, call your bank straight away. They can freeze your card.
  5. Get help — Call Craig on 0411 147 909 and he can check your computer and help you clean it up.
📥

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