What user action can help prevent spyware infections?

Regularly updating anti-virus software and running scans is a crucial action in preventing spyware infections. Anti-virus software is designed to detect and eliminate malware, including spyware, which can secretly monitor and collect personal information from your device. By ensuring that this software is regularly updated, users benefit from the latest protections against newly discovered threats, as cybercriminals are constantly developing new strategies to bypass security measures. Furthermore, running regular scans allows the software to check for existing threats on a device. Implementing these practices helps maintain a robust defense against spyware and enhances overall internet security.

In contrast, downloading software from unverified sources significantly increases the risk of introducing spyware and other malicious software onto a system. While using strong and unique passwords is important for protecting accounts, it does not directly address the issue of preventing spyware infections. Similarly, visiting only popular websites does not guarantee safety from spyware, as even reputable sites can occasionally host malicious content.