MalWare (Malicious Software)
Spyware, Pop Ups, Viruses…they are all unwanted programs installed on your computer
How do I get them?
They get installed on your computer. You don’t just get pop ups, they have to be installed. The truth is no antivirus, anti-spyware, pop-up blocker, toolbar, etc is going stop everything. Hard part is that all it takes is one time for your computer to become infected.
Why do I get them?
You were tricked into installing them by…
Clicking on “Install active X control”
Opened an attachment…that ran an install (a picture of a dancing monkey, so cute)
Visited a Malicious site that ran an install
Installed a game or other free program
Installed a video codec to view a movie
Your computer was hacked, because…
Computer was not updated/patched
Were not using a firewall
Used your wireless network to bypass firewall
Password was too easy or no password
Antivirus was not up to date
How do I block them from hacking my computer?
Automatic Updates – set it to automatically download and install
Use a firewall – recommend hardware firewall plus the windows firewall
Secure your wireless – Use MAC, TKIP (WEP if not available); if not using wireless, shut it off
Use Anti Virus software – one that automatically updates
(having more than 1 antivirus program installed may cause both not to function properly)
Use hard passwords – Does not do you any good to lock down your pc if you have no password
I’m no computer expert, how do I stop them from tricking me?
Don’t logon as an Administrator. What and lose the ability to do stuff on my computer? This is a huge misconception among many home users. Yes, security can lock stuff down, however it is not meant to keep you from using the computer. The advantage to security is keeping you from inadvertently making a mistake.
Example
Say you opened an email attachment that contained a virus or pop up program that your antivirus did not catch. It starts to install itself. The programs that you run only have the right to do what your account has access to. If you were logged in as an administrator, the virus would install and your computer would be infected. Since you are not logged in as an administrator, the security stops the virus from installing and your computer stays safe.
Create a “Limited” account for everyday computer use
Use the “Administrator” account only to install updates and programs