What is Malware and What To Do About It

I’m sure you’ve all heard about computer security and malware and many other terms that you may not understand. Today, I am going to give you some of the definitions and facts. Once you better understand your enemy, you will be better prepared to defend against it.

Malware Defined

Let’s start with malware. The definition of malware is “malicious software.”  Malware is a term for all the software and programs that you do not install yourself and are created for the purpose of getting access to your computer without you knowing it. When you are referring to a virus, you really mean malware.

Malware Locations

Malware can come from several different places. According to the Chicalogic blog, the 3 main places you get malware from are:

1. A hacked website – A hacker inserts code into a website and the owner probably doesn’t know about it. You visit the blog and now you are infected.
2. Clicking on ads – These are the nasty pop up ads that tells you that you have a virus. Don’t click on those. They will give you a virus.
3. Phishing attacks – These would be the messages on Facebook telling you to get your free iPad if you click on their link.

You do not want any of these three on your computer which is why it is so important to take precautions so you don’t get malware. It is often difficult to remove the malware without doing harm. At the very least, you waste precious time trying to search the internet for the instructions to get rid of the malware rather than playing games or working.

Image from Microsoft Images

Preventing Malware

Just like the uninvited cold that humans get, you can not predict when your computer will become infected, so prevention is the best medicine.

• Install security software on your computer. It is like a watch dog for your computer
• Never click on a link in a message or email unless you know where the link will take you.
• Be careful of what you download from the internet. Be sure it is from reputable sources.
• If you connect to public wi-fi, be sure to use a password for access to your computer.

Let’s Talk About Malware!

Have you ever had malware on your computer? What do you do to prevent malware?