Viruses: These programs replicate themselves and spread to other files, often causing system instability and data corruption. 

Worms: Similar to viruses, but they can spread autonomously across networks without requiring user interaction. 

Trojans: These disguise themselves as legitimate software, tricking users into installing them. Once installed, they can grant attackers unauthorized access to your system. 

Ransomware: This type of malware encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. 

Spyware: This silently monitors your online activity and steals sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and browsing history. 

Adware: While often less malicious than other types, adware floods your screen with unwanted advertisements and can track your browsing habits. 

Phishing: This involves deceptive attempts to acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication (usually email, but also text messages or fake websites). 

Pharming: This is a more sophisticated attack that redirects users to fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, often without the user's knowledge. This is typically achieved by compromising DNS servers. 

Drive-by Downloads: These occur when malware is downloaded and installed on your system without your explicit consent, often simply by visiting a compromised website. 

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): This attack injects malicious scripts into trusted websites, allowing attackers to steal user data or redirect users to malicious sites. 

SQL Injection: This exploits vulnerabilities in website databases to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. 

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: In this attack, an attacker intercepts communication between two parties, such as you and your bank, allowing them to eavesdrop on or manipulate the data being transmitted. 

Fake Software and Downloads: Attackers often create fake or modified versions of popular software and distribute them through unofficial channels. These fake versions may contain bundled malware or other malicious components. 

Choose a Reputable Provider: Select a well-known and respected antivirus software provider with a proven track record. Popular options include Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, 360 Antivirus Pro and ESET. 

Enable Real-Time Scanning: Ensure that real-time scanning is enabled to constantly monitor your system for threats. 

Automatic Updates: Configure your antivirus software to automatically download and install updates. This ensures that you have the latest threat definitions and protection against emerging threats. 

Regular Scans: Schedule regular full system scans to detect and remove any hidden malware. 

Consider a Second Opinion Scanner: Occasionally, run a scan with a different antivirus program or a dedicated anti-malware scanner like Malwarebytes to catch anything your primary antivirus might have missed. 

Enable Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and all installed software. These updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. 

Turn on Windows Update: In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure that updates are set to install automatically. 

Update Third-Party Software: Use a software update manager (like PatchMyPC or Chocolatey for Windows) to keep your third-party applications (like Java, Adobe Reader, Flash, and browsers) up-to-date. These applications are often targets for attackers because they are widely used and may contain vulnerabilities. 

Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in emails from unknown or untrusted senders. Even if the email appears to be from a legitimate source, double-check the sender's address and be wary of any unusual requests or urgent demands. 

Hover Before Clicking: Before clicking on a link, hover your mouse cursor over it to see the actual URL. If the URL looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don't click it. 

Verify Links Independently: If you need to visit a website mentioned in an email, manually type the address into your browser instead of clicking the link. 

Scan Attachments Before Opening: Before opening any attachments, scan them with your antivirus software to ensure they are safe. 

Create Complex Passwords: Use strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Avoid Common Words and Phrases: Don't use easily guessable words or phrases, such as your name, birthday, or pet's name. 

Unique Passwords for Each Account: Use a unique password for each online account. This prevents attackers from gaining access to multiple accounts if one password is compromised. 

Password Manager: Use a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. Password managers can also generate strong, random passwords for you. Popular options include LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane. 

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. 

Download Software from Official Sources: Only download software from the official websites of the software developers. Avoid downloading software from third-party download sites, as these sites often bundle malware with the software.