As a CS student and researcher, you likely need to visit multiple websites and open various types of files to conduct your work. However, it's essential to keep in mind that doing so can expose your personal data and computer to potential risks.
While Microsoft Defender can serve as a basic security solution, it may not offer comprehensive protection against all possible threats. Third-party security software can offer additional features and layers of protection. Nonetheless, it's crucial to select a reputable and reliable software that won't interfere with your work or cause compatibility problems.
As for your specific situation, it's challenging to provide a definitive solution without knowing more about your particular requirements. Nevertheless, here are some general tips that may prove helpful:
- Using a virtual machine (VM) can help isolate your research activities from your main computer and prevent potential malware or security threats from impacting your system.
- Always keep your software and operating system up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts and activate two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Exercise caution when downloading and opening files from unknown sources, and scan them with your antivirus software before opening.
- Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and safeguard your privacy.
- Before opening a download, you can upload it to VirusTotal to scan it for malware. You can install the VirusTotal extension to easily upload your downloads to VirusTotal.
- Create a separate standard account for your work.
In summary, it's critical to balance your need for access to research materials with the need to safeguard your computer and personal data. By adhering to best practices for online security and utilizing dependable security software, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to cyber threats.
