What is Malware anyway?

Malware is software which is created to infiltrate your PC and cause damage or record your online and offline activities against your will. What follows is a list of common types of Malware and their descriptions.

Adware.

Adware is one of the less harmful forms of Malware which will display a popup advertisement on your computer when your not expecting it.

A Virus is designed to hide within other executable software and to become active when the host software is activated. It will self replicate and place copies of itself into other software or documents. When this happens it can cause a rapid infestation of your computer system with catastrophic results.

A Worm is a self replicating and self executing virus specifically designed to send replicas of itself to other computers over the internet.

Ransom Ware.

Ransom ware is used to extort money from the computer owner by locking up important files. A message will be dispayed demanding the appropriate ransom before giving access to the files.

Trojan Horses.

Trojan horses conceal their true identity by masquerading itself as or hiding inside legitimate software. They usually get on to your computer in some form of free software downloaded from the internet.

Spyware.

Spyware is designed to monitor and record all of your keyboard actions, internet activity and personal details such as credit card details and passwords sending them via the internet to the spyware maker using email.

What are the symptoms?.

If your computer has displayed a considerable reduction in speed it could be infected with Malware, it may even appear to pause or hang. Another is that Windows will behave erratically and unstable. Also you may experience popup windows when you don't expect. If you have a good antivirus program it should let you know of the presence of Malware and offer to remove it for you.

How Does my Computer Get Infected?

Emails.

If you receive any email from unknown or unexpected senders make sure that you scan it before opening it with your antivirus software and if you have any doubts don't open it.

Websites.

Browsing some websites that are suspect can lead to infection because the Malware can be hidden as code in the web page itself.

Peer to Peer File Sharing Software.

Peer to peer software used to download illegal music, video and software is a Malware creators dream. A lot of the files available on peer to peer networks have Malware hidden within them or are not the files you were expecting at all.

Popups.

It is possible to use what is known as IP popups to infect your computer. IP popups are sent direct to your computers IP address and can not be stopped by popup blockers. Popups like this are often disguised as windows error messages instructing you to 'click here' to rectify the error. Clicking the button will execute the Malware.

Instant Messaging Software.

This may be a surprise to many of you as instant messaging software is becoming very popular. When file sharing it is possible to receive an infected file so think twice before sharing files with strangers.

Networks.

All computers on a network are at risk of infection if one of those computers has Malware on it. That is why all computers must be protected with a firewall and antivirus software.

Making your computer immune to Malware.

Use Internet Securities Software

I advise all computer users to invest in good quality internet securities software from companies such as Semantec and McAfee. It is not advisable to use free antivirus software as these don't tend to be as effective and can also be malware disguised as antivirus software. Whichever one you use just make sure that you keep it regularly updated and remember to renew your yearly subscription. Remember, out of date antivirus software is completely useless.

Always use a firewall.

Windows XP and Vista both have a firewall built in and you should have them switched on. If you have a good internet securities program this will have a firewall included which should be used in favour of the microsoft version.

Use Windows Update.

You should use Windows Update on a regular basis to ensure that you have all the latest critical updates. Microsoft are releasing patches all the time to close up security holes in their operating systems.

How to remove Malware from your computer.

With any good internet securities application removing malware is a simple task. It is even possible to set your software to remove the affending item automaticlay and then inform you that the job has been done.

A final word of advice.

Visiting illegal or immoral websites will increase your likely hood of becoming infected considerably because the owners and users of these sites usually will think nothing of causing considerable grief to you and others like you.