KEEP YOUR ONLINE BACKUPS FREE FROM VIRUSES!

As time goes on we are constantly taking pictures, videos and other files and copying them onto their computers. since they don’t want to lose them we try to keep our computers backed up.

But a question that some people have had for a while now is that Since different softwares back up files automatically, how can you prevent it from backing up a virus too should you ever get one on your PC.

And That’s an excellent question, and the answer is there is no 100% way to prevent any backup method from backing up a virus along with your data. There are steps you can take to minimize the risk however.

First of all, it’s important to understand that the nature of a standard backup itself makes it unlikely that it will ever back up a virus.

Most viruses like to hide in the areas of your hard drive that won’t be backed up, the odds of backing up a virus that’s living there are quite low.

All of that being said, some viruses come attached to image files, PDF files and other non-system files. This means they stay right in the midst of the files that DO get backed up.

The best way to prevent backing up these stealthy viruses is to prevent them from being downloaded to your PC in the first place. Here are a few tips for doing that:

1. Make sure your computer is running a good antivirus program such as Malwarebytes Premium, AVG or a combination of Microsoft Defender and the free version of Malwarebytes.

Also, make sure your antivirus program and its definition files are updated regularly.

2. Be very careful about opening emails that contain attachments, even if those emails came from a trusted friend or other source. If you aren’t already expecting to receive an email containing an attachment, contact the sender and verify that they actually sent it BEFORE you open the email.

3. Only visit reputable websites, and even then be very careful about the links you click once you’re on them.

Following the tips listed above will help a long way towards preventing a virus from making its way onto your computer, but there is still always a chance that one will slip through anyway.

After all, no anti-virus program or computer user is perfect. That means there’s no foolproof way to prevent them from backing up the occasional virus. But that will only be on the rarest of occasions if you follow these tips!