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Malware is software that you unintentionally install or are tricked
into installing on your computer that causes harm. Malware is only
second to viruses as far the harm it can cause. In most cases, you
would rather get a virus on your computer than installing Malware
on your computer. Virus we make your computer useless, but worst
case scenario you pay some geek to fix your computer for $150. Malware
on the other hand can be a method for a scammer to gain access to
your bank accounts.
You're probably saying "Doesn't my Antivirus software protect me
from Malware?". The short answer is maybe. Not all Antivirus vendors
offers suites that include Malware scanners. If so, it is usually
apart of a larger Internet Security Suite. Even if they do, they
are slow to identify other companies software as Malware due to
fear of being sued. If Company A labels a product as Malware and
it is a source of Revunue for Company B, Company A better be ready
to defend that claim in court.
The Malware programs you really need to worry about are:
1. Hijackers-
Hijackers take over or control a part of your web browser. It may
be something as simple as locking your homepage on their web address.
Some malware change the search functionality of your web browser,
it may display pop-ups at any given time. They also may not allow
you visit certain web sites. For example sites that tell you how
to remove it. Hijackers almost exclusively target Intenet Explorer
due to mass use. I got hit with one of these two years ago. Every
90 seconds a pop-up would come up telling me my computer was infected
with a Spyware and I needed to buy their software to make it better.
This is the digital equivalent of paying protection money to the
mafia. I reported it to the FBI. I received a notice two weeks later
from the FBI that they found the name of company doing this. They
also stated that over 10,000 people reported the same thing. I kept
Googling the name in the news and would you know, 2 guys got 4 years
in prison from that company.
2. Keyloggers-
This software records every key stroke you make on your keyboard.
Parents use similar software to monitor their children's use of
the computer. But, imagine if a scammer knew every key stroke you
made while visitng your online bank's web site. See the problem?
I haven't seen too many people plauged by this. I have read about
a dozen people getting hit by something like this.
3. Dialers-
Since most people are switching to broadband and don't have a phone
modem attached to their computer, this is slowing becoming a thing
of the past. A dialer will install itself and then dial 1-900 numbers
and ring up your phone bill. Because this scam hit the public eyes
a few years back, most people hit by it are refunded their money
right away. On top of that, their better at catching the scamsters.
It is very difficult to get a 1-900 number these days without fully
disclosing the use and providing validated credentials.
How do you avoid installing Malware on your computer?
1. Read all disclosures.
2. Don't download and install any software you do not have 100%
trust in.
3. Don't follow links in emails send to you.
4. Check your software up to date. Install all patches ASAP.
5. Use a Security Suite that checks for this and removes it.
6. Use a firewall
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