Malware stands for malicious software. It is a type of virus or code specifically created to cause harm, such as collecting your data or corrupting your computer. To protect your computer against malware, here are some helpful tips:

1. Keep your Operating System up to date: When possible, set your Operating System's automatic updates to on, as updates contain security patches and updates that protect against malware.
2. Use Anti-virus software: Install an Anti-virus software program that will regularly and routinely scan for malicious software on your computer.
3. Watch out for suspicious emails: Stay vigilant for suspicious emails, even if they come from an address you know. Never open attachments or click links unless you are absolutely sure it is from a trusted source.
4. Back up your files: Backing up your files enables you to recover data in the event that it is compromised by malware. Consider using an external hard drive or cloud storage.