Computer Virus and Malware information

What is “Malware”, it is short for malicious software. This is software designed to inflict damage to your PC, gather information without your permission and gain access to system resources and wreak havoc to your system. Malware also includes viruses, spyware and information gathering software. Why should you care about Malware? It provides hackers access to your computer,. Snoop on your computer activity, web browsing and it can also log your keystrokes. It can also transmit this information without you knowing. These are also bad because it leads to identity theft, delete files, format your drive, and affect the general performance of your PC.

 How does Malware get through? Malware writers are very experienced in using tricks to get users to download their programs. Malware usually come bundled with "other software" is often called a Trojan Horse. Some examples are, instant messenger software that is included with a programs such as WildTangent, a very well known spyware offender. Peer-to-peer file sharing software, such as Kaaza, LimeWire, and eMule, and others to numerous to name will bundle numerous types of malware are classified as spyware or adware. Some software will also promise to speed up your Internet connection or assist you with downloading will often contain adware.

Malware can exploit security holes in your browser as a way of infecting your machine. Sometimes websites state that software is needed to view the site, in an attempt to trick users into clicking "Yes" Causing the Software to be installed onto your machines. Another trick that I have seen is if you click "No," there will be many error windows that will display. Some sites will tell you that using a certificate makes their site "safe" which is not the case. Certificate verification means only that the company that wrote the software is the same as the company whose name appears on the download prompt. Some malware will not offer any uninstall options, and will install in unexpected and hidden places (e.g., the Windows registry) and or modify the operating system, making it extremely difficult to remove.

The question here is what should you do? Keep your system up to date, and also your software. Install anti-malware and a good antivirus and set it to automatically update and scan. It doesn’t hurt to check and make sure it is up to date and running also.  There are free programs out there that are great! Microsoft security essentials, and Malwarebytes.. Even though these are free they are absolutely the best that I have used. Just remember to set it to scan and update automatically.

Accidents happen but to be safe you should always make a backup of all your important files, pictures and music. Use an external drive or use the cloud, such as Google drive or Dropbox, the last two are free just register. Of course if you need more space you will have to pay for it. That being said, just remember to keep everything updated and scan regularly and you will be good to go.