Thousands of Computer Viruses Are Created Every Day. Here’s How to Protect Your Computer From Cyberattacks - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Use these strategies to keep your computer safe from viruses and other threats. Our computers store a lot of important information about us, including our addresses, passwords and credit card information. Viruses and other malware can be used to steal this data, slow down our devices or even lock us out of them entirely. CNET’s latest antivirus survey shows that over half (54%) of laptop owners have encountered potential malware on their personal laptop over the past 12 months. And with roughly 450,000 new malicious programs created every day, our devices can face near-endless threats. Accordingly, it’s important to learn how to protect your computer from viruses and other threats, like spyware. Let’s explore how you can keep your computer safe, from using antivirus software to adopting broader device security best practices. Security patches — and fixes for vulnerabilities discovered in the softw