The three tools that protect your computer

To stay safe online, every computer should have three basic protections in place. Here is what they are and what each one does.

1. ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
What it does: Finds and removes viruses before they damage your computer.
A virus is a harmful programme that can delete your files, slow your computer, or steal your information. Anti-virus software scans your computer regularly and removes threats it finds.

2. ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE
What it does: Stops hidden programmes that track what you do online.
Spyware secretly monitors your internet activity and can steal personal details like passwords. Anti-spyware software detects and removes these hidden programmes.

3. A FIREWALL
What it does: Blocks unauthorised access to your computer from the internet.
A firewall checks all the information coming into and leaving your computer, and blocks anything suspicious. Think of it as a security guard for your internet connection.

These three tools work best together. No single tool protects against everything – using all three gives you the strongest protection.