Malware is a term used to describe a broad category of damaging software that includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, and adware. The effects of malware range from brief annoyance to computer crashes and identity theft. Malware is easier to avoid than it is to remove. Avoiding malware involves a two-part strategy. Follow these guidelines for staying safe.
PREVENT MALWARE WITH SMART ONLINE BEHAVIOR!
The single biggest factor in preventing a malware infection on your PC is YOU. You don’t need expert knowledge or special training. You just need vigilance to avoid downloading and installing anything you do not understand or trust, no matter how tempting, from the following sources:
From a website:
If you are unsure, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.
Many of us while trying to download games/ programs and clicking on the wrong download button (from an ad) that looks genuine but it’s not… the genuine one is usually very simple and small.
Phone Calls / Remote control:
Scammers are getting smarter! They call you pretending to be from Microsoft or some reputable company and convince you that your computer is infected and they need to remote in and fix it – DON’T allow this! They are almost always not who they tell they are and they just want to get $$$ from you.
Your computer may be infected but you should not allow it to be removed by companies you don’t know… they could steal information from your pc & lead to identity fraud or delete files from your pc. Hang up the phone!
From e-mail:
Do not trust anything associated with a spam e-mail. Approach e-mail from people you know with caution when the message contains links or attachments. If you are suspicious of what you are being asked to view or install, don’t do it. Emails from UPS, FedEx or USPS are some ways the spammers get your attention – be careful! Most of these emails are spam! Do not click on any links inside these emails.
From physical media:
Your friends, family, and associates may unknowingly give you a disc or flash drive with an infected file on it. Don’t blindly accept these files; scan them with security software. If you are still unsure, do not accept the files.
From a pop-up window:
Some pop-up windows or boxes will attempt to corner you into downloading software or accepting a free “system scan” of some type. Often these pop-ups will employ scare tactics to make you believe you need what they are offering in order to be safe. Close the pop-up without clicking anything inside it (including the X in the corner). Try ALT-F4 or close the window via Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl-Alt-Delete) or shut down pc.
From another piece of software:
Some programs attempt to install malware as a part of their own installation process. When installing software, pay close attention to the message boxes before clicking Next, OK, or I Agree. Scan the user agreement for anything that suggests malware may be a part of the installation. If you are unsure, cancel the installation, check up on the program, and run the installation again if you determine it is safe. Regular Java / Adobe updates try to sneak in a trial program… just uncheck the trial program and install update. Many free games or programs do the same during installation.
From illegal file-sharing services:
You’re on your own if you enter this realm. There is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it. We see this quite too often.
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