Viruses and Malware

What is Malware?

Malware (for “malicious software“) is any computer program or file that is, at best, an unwanted nuisance or at worst deliberately harmful to a computer and computer data. A virus is a type of malware that can reproduce and spread itself to other computers through a network or physically through a USB memory stick.

Malware types include computer “Viruses”, “Worms”, “Rootkits”, “Trojans”, “Adware”, “Spyware”, “Scamware”, “Ransomware”, “Scareware”, “Rogueware” and other exotic names. Malware can be written by criminals for criminal purposes to extort money or information or it can generate unwanted “pop-ups” and advertising on your computer. The usual things … sigh.

It can take control of various computer programs and functions. It can redirect your web browser to visit sites you didn’t mean to go to. Malware can seek out and steal information stored on your computer such as contact and bank details. It can turn your computer into a “Zombie” (Your computer is being controlled by someone else without your knowledge). Recently, malware has been designed to encrypt files and the criminals will demand money to unlock your precious data. Eek!

Malware attacks mostly target Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (computers) because they are so popular but, increasingly, attacks are targeting mobile operating systems on phones and tablets such as Android. The Apple operating systems are less likely to be attacked but there are Apple viruses and malware.

So how does malware get on my computer?

• Links from “Phishing” E-Mails

  Malware can be downloaded from clicking on links in e-mails that purport to come from your bank, building society, Paypal, Ebay, Internet Service Provider, the “Police” or any other well-known organisation. These e-mails are (sometimes) fraudulent. Rule of thumb is:

  • NEVER click on any web links in emails. It’s just too risky.
  • NEVER open any attachments in emails unless you are expecting them and it is prearranged.
  • NEVER reply to any email which asks you to “update” your bank details

• Web Links and Advertisements

  Malware can be downloaded unwittingly by randomly clicking on web links and advertisements. Some say – “but that’s what you do when surfing the ‘net”. Beware, some websites can automatically download malware onto your computer just by visiting them. So-called “drive by” attacks.

• Websites which contain pornography and other “dubious” content

  Use the Internet sensibly. Like in any city, don’t walk alone in the rough places at night! You may stumble across “dodgy” websites and the “dark” web – you kind of know if you’re there :-} Some “sophisticated”  internet security programs may designate whether or not websites are “safe” and warn if you are somewhere you shouldn’t be but don’t rely on it.

• Letting children loose on your computer

  Never, ever (ever, ever, ever!), let children loose on an internet connected computer unless they are supervised. You can set up “parental or family safeguards” on Windows and some internet security programs but they are rudimentary at best. Children can find anything (including malware) on the Internet in only a few mouse clicks.

• Using file sharing software to download copyrighted material

  Music, film and software file sharing and peer to peer networking is a major source of malware and it is illegal (also known as “pirating”). The only way to make sure these do not affect your computer is not to download pirated material in the first place. After all, sharing copyright material with other people is theft.

• Downloading software from unknown websites

  Exercise caution when downloading free software and never download software if you don’t know the software company or no names and contact addresses are given. Only download and install software when you know what it is and who it’s from. When buying software over the internet make sure it’s from a reputable source and that it has no additional downloads with it. If in doubt, boxed software from somewhere like PC World or Staples is OK.

• Downloading “Tune up” software

  Casually clicking on internet links to download software that purports to “Tune”, “Tweak”, “Optimise”, “Restore”, “Speed-up”, “Protect”, “Clean-up”, “Firewall”, “Defragment” or generally improve your computer sounds good but generally they have the complete opposite effect –  Don’t do it!. The few computer programs that are useful tools are really meant for engineers who know how to use them properly. Microsoft Windows is now pretty good at its own maintenance and it also includes tools for maintenance. Most slow computers are the victims of malware. The best way to speed up an older PC is to install more memory and/or a fast Hard Disk (SSD).

What can I do to protect my computer from Malware?

• Keep your computer up to date with security updates.
  Set your computer to install security updates automatically. If you have slow broadband then this may take some time but do be patient and let the updates finish completely.
• Firewall
  Ensure that your computer is protected by a “Firewall” which protects against external “hackers” and malware. If your broadband router has a firewall make sure it is turned on. Internet security software should also include a software firewall.
• Internet Security
  Internet security software helps to protect your computer and keep malware off your system by recognizing that it’s actually malware. Install a good (paid for) Internet Security suite on the computer which includes anti-virus and an Anti spyware (Anti-Malware) program with real time protection. Notable names are Kaspersky and Norton Anti-virus but this is not an endorsement (other brands are available). The security software must be kept up to date – most update automatically via the Internet until the end of the licence period (normally 1 year) but you must renew them once the  licence expires as you will no longer have the latest malware/virus definitions and your computer will be unprotected against new malware.
• Use the security software to scan the computer for malware regularly and take heed of any warning messages the program may display and follow any instructions carefully. Note that, although they are good at protecting the computer against malware, if the computer does become infected then the success rate of any security programs automatically removing the malware is sometimes a bit hit and miss. Once your computer is infected then it opens the floodgates for other malware to enter. Don’t rely on internet security software alone. Follow safe practices.

I think my computer has malware on it…

Your internet security software may be able to get rid of the malware. In the event that things go wrong and you know you have a malware problem, don’t leave it and try to carry on using your computer. Things will only get worse. Your computer may be giving away personal and private information such as bank account numbers, passwords and contact details.

If you try to remove malware without knowing what you are doing your computer may cease to function altogether. Have you backed up your files, precious photographs and music etc.? Call a computer engineer who can remove the malware. However if your files have become damaged, corrupted or encrypted then there is very little that can be done to save them.

The worst has happened and I’ve lost all my files…

That’s OK because you have a backup stored safely away from your computer. You do have a backup strategy, don’t you …?