Protecting your computer and personal devices from malware requires both ongoing personal vigilance and help from professional security companies. Nowadays, malware doesn’t just target your home computers but also the mobile devices that you and your family are using.

And the problem is bigger than you might think.

Last year, an average 80 million malware attacks were observed in the United States every month and as a whole the US is the target of more than half of all malware attacks in the world. You can be a victim of a malware attack through your web browsers, email, the social networks you use, instant messaging, and downloaded files.

Your device can be infected through almost any online process or even a friend’s USB stick, so it’s important to use a security program that can provide complete proactive protection, helping you before you get infected. Trend Micro Security for your PC or Mac or Trend Micro Mobile Security for your Android or iOS mobile device may be just the solution you’re looking for.

Even if you are using a security program, here are few ways to keep your devices from getting infected and from spreading malware:

1. Secure Your Network

Malware protection starts on your home network and moves out from there. Make sure that your network router is password- protected and that you’re not using the factory supplied default password. Ensure that you have a firewall installed and running on every computer that you use to prevent unauthorized access. A secure network is not only a first step towards protecting your computers, but will also protect the mobile devices that connect to your home network.

2. Avoid Spam

While on the Internet, don’t open spam of any kind. Remember spam isn’t just emails in your junk mail. It can also be private messages, pop-up windows on websites, or ads in your social media feeds. Malware scams can also start independently from your computer. Remember the recent Microsoft Tech Support phone scam. Variants not only wanted your money, but also to gain control of your computer by installing remote control software in the guise of helping you.  Be cautious of any unsolicited tech support offers both on and offline.

3. Parental Controls

It’s important to have open conversations with your kids and build trust with them. You should also set up parental controls on each device used in your family’s network environment. Make sure that only administrators can install new software on the device and limit guest user Internet access if at all possible.

4. Passwords in Web Browsers

Regardless of the user, do not save passwords in your web browser. Using a password manager is more secure and adds an extra layer of protection. Trend Micro Password Manager is bundled with Trend Micro Maximum Security or Trend Micro Premium Security Suite on your PC, or can be downloaded and installed separately on your PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device. If you don’t currently have a password manager watch our video “How secure is your password?” for tips on creating a secure password.

5. Keep Programs Up-to-Date

Make sure that you keep all your devices updated to help secure them from attacks that exploit vulnerabilities on your system. This includes your operating systems, security programs, web browsers, and plug-ins like Java, Adobe Flash, and Acrobat; or video players like Windows Media Player and QuickTime.

By implementing these five tips, you’ve taken the first steps to protect yourself from malware attacks on your PC, Mac, and mobile devices.