Broadband provider, TalkTalk through its twitter feed has warned consumers about viruses and spyware. It has reiterated the importance of taking security precautions like firewalls and anti-virus software while using internet.

According to TalkTalk tweet, the company has a simple guide to protect customers. It is admitted that nobody wants an encounter with spyware or viruses. The best way to protect yourself from viruses and spyware is to be sensible and careful while using internet. According to the provider, avoid clicking on links on friend’s social network profiles if you are not sure of the source since it is the common way spyware spreads. The firm warns that if a link seems to be too promising, offering story, picture or anything to be true, avoid clicking, for it will be a trap.

The provider also warns the customers that it is not advisable to open attachments in emails if the sender is not known to you. This is only a precaution because viruses can send messages as if it is from an email address known to you.

Sometimes people pass on an email warning of a virus to others thinking that they are being helpful but in fact it may be a trick invented by cyber criminals to make customers click links that contain harmful elements. TalkTalk recommended that parents should educate their children about the harmfulness of spyware and viruses. Sometimes they might cause virus infection in their curiosity to know things. TalkTalk also urged all companies to back up their files so that if some untoward thing happens, they could put everything in its place without much trouble.