What is Malware and how can you protect yourself from it?
Malware is the overall term for any unwanted software that invades your computer and causes problems. This includes spyware, adware, and viruses. We use a variety of products to clean up these infections, but this is time consuming and sometimes the damage caused can be irreversible.
Virus protection is recommended for all PCs and to some extent now Macs also, but one of the most effective ways to avoid Malware is by using good common sense.
Here are a few tips to avoid Malware:
1. Don't use file sharing applications. If you don’t know the source, it cannot be trusted. If you are in any doubt, speak to us.
2. Never open an email attachment if you don't know what it is. Even if you know the person who sent the email. Many computers with infections will send out email to everyone on their address book without the owner ever being aware.
3. If you get pop-ups when opening a web page don't click inside the pop-up to close it. Always click the red "x" in the upper right corner.
4. If you get a message from your computer warning you that it is infected and you need to download some software to remove the virus, don't do it. At this point you are already infected.
5. Avoid free downloads unless you are absolutely sure you can trust the source. Often these freebies are packaged with adware.
