A Malicious Software (Malware) infection is easy to contract and can be difficult to shake off. Infections are typically contracted after downloading and installing an application from the internet, opening an infected Email attachment or clicking a bad link on a Website or in an Email.
I have a regular stream of customers approaching me about a nasty Malware infections and asking for help to get rid of the infection. In each case, the problem revealed itself when the customers started being bombarded with annoying popups when browsing the internet, asking them to: complete surveys, telling them they have won an iPad, or their PC has a raft of errors and to click on a link download and to fix it.
Shut the Door
Downloading apps, or clicking on adverts / links whilst browsing are by no means the only way to contract a Malware infection; though they're common. Other things to watch out for are emails making outrageous promises, or pretending to be from your bank saying your account has been compromised and to click a link to reset your password, or from a friend (yes even using their email address) that contain links or attachments. Best solution for this type of email is to mark it as SPAM, and delete it. NEVER CLICK THE LINK OR OPEN THE ATTACHMENTS on this type of mail.
Too Good to be True
So let's get a couple of things straight:
- Pop-up Adverts telling you that: you've won an iPad (holiday, money, or some other desirable object), or that your PC has problems are a scam. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CLICK THESE LINKS, and certainly do not provide these people with your credit card details or any other Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as name, address, Date of Birth.
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Your bank will NEVER email you and ask you to click on a link and provide your bank details.
Keys to the Kingdom
If you have, or suspect you have, a Malware infection, it is really important that you do not carry out: internet banking, make on-line purchases using your credit card (or PayPal), or log in to any systems that might contain personally identifiable information; using the infected computer.
If you have made on-line payments, on a Malware infected computer, then you need to contact your financial institution and make arrangements ASAP to change your passwords. Also keep an eye on your credit card statements for any fraudulent transactions over coming months. Your bank may also re-issue your credit card to head off any fraudulent transactions.
Malware - Protect Against IT
Any computer connected to the internet should have robust Internet Security Software installed. Anti-virus alone is not enough. I recommend Bitdefender Internet Security or Total Security.
If your Internet Security software does not offer an in-built Site Advisor function, then you can install the Bitdefender Traffic Light or McAfee Site Advisor both of which give an indication of whether a given website contains malicious software or security issues that might put you at risk. As a general rule with Site Advisor software, Green Tick = Safe, Amber Exclamation / Red Cross typically mean stay away or proceed at your own risk.
Malware - Cleanse IT
Malware can be tricky to get rid of if you don't know what you're doing. If you think you may have a Malware infection on your computer, email us, or give me a call at Excalibur IT Solutions on 9456 7932. We can remove your Malware infection, and implement solutions to protect you on-line.