Having malware issues? Here’s a GREAT solution!

One of the most common calls for service we get is to remove Malware from computers. It is estimated that Malware and Malware removal will cost companies around 13 billion dollars a year worldwide. This includes removal costs, lost productivity, and litigation issues. Yet, securing a computer from receiving Malware is almost free!

Malware, which is short for “malicious software”, refers to software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer system. Common examples of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware. Viruses for example, can cause havoc on a computer’s hard drive by deleting files or directory information. Spyware can gather data from a user’s system without the user knowing it. This can include anything from the web pages a user visits, to personal information such as credit card numbers.

It doesn’t take much for an unprotected computer (a computer with no virus scanner) to get malware. It’s as simple as visiting a website and before you know it you’re infected. Even with the common antivirus software it is still possible to get infected with certain types of Malware. While there is no single comprehensive software package that will protect you from all Malware threats, the axiom “the best defense is a good offence” applies perfectly.

To help protect your computer, and other computers from Malware infections consider the steps below. I have used these for years without a single infection:

1.  Ensure you have an antivirus scanner and that it is kept up to date!

There are so many antivirus scanners available on the market today. Most of them update automatically several times a day. Take a moment and make sure yours is up to date and running.

2.  Download and install your operating system and application updates!

No matter how much the programmers test, there are always unintended security holes in software programs. There are programmers in the world that are dedicated to finding these holes and either reporting them to the manufactures to fix them, or exploit them for nefarious gains. One of the most commonly exploited applications is Adobe Reader. Even with up to date antivirus you can still get infected through an unpatched Adobe Reader application by visiting a legitimate website. Not necessarily from the content on the website, rather within the ads it displays. Companies don’t always verify the content of the ads since they contract that piece out to a third party vendor. Take a few minutes a month and update those applications.

3.  Don’t open emails or attachments from senders you do not know, or from those whom you were not expecting email from!

Believe it or not this still happens. Email spammers are very crafty and can make their email look like it came from your boss or even your mom. The best advice is to know your own email flow and what type of messages you normally receive. If it looks suspicious it probably is. So in that case, delete it! If it was legitimate then you will probably hear from the sender again. Or instead of deleting contact the sender and verify it came from them.

4.  Stay away from questionable websites!

It’s your computer and you can go where you like, but be aware that the Internet is not controlled or managed by any one organization. It’s like the Wild West where anything goes! If you choose to visit such sites then expect to eventually get infected.

Applying the methods above can greatly reduce your risk of getting infected with Malware. However, if you do happen to get infected we can fix that!

Written By: ‘Computer Dude’ @ Halski Systems in Gainesville, GA