These are real threats, putting your data and even your personal security at risk. 

One of my colleagues once phrased it as, “Going online without security software is like jumping into a shark tank wearing nothing but raw meat.”  A colorful analogy, to be sure, but an accurate one.  Every day more new viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malicious applications are released into the wilds of the internet.  Experts (and not just me) say it’s close to the range of 22,000 new malware samples per day. 

What is really at risk when you leave your PC unprotected?  First off, and probably most importantly is time and money.  The expenses of having to have a virus removed can cost 10-times as much as a one-year subscription to a consumer level security application.  This is further exacerbated through down-time and the loss of productivity, not to mention the loss of data. 

I mean, who reading this article doesn’t depend on their PC these days to help them find information online, pay bills, manage bank accounts, communicate with friends and family or Twitter endlessly about how they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?  Just from a life-management perspective, how much time do you lose without having these conveniences at the tips of your fingers? 

And to compound this further, one infection might not even be noticeable, but simply serve to open doors for many more, and more damaging infections to creep in.  Malware programs designed to propagate across a network, key-loggers that try to steal your personal information or bugs designed simply to cripple your PC and make it unusable. 

Yet, so many people walk into our office with horribly outdated security software, or none at all. 

It is sad.  Of course, we fix their problem for an affordable rate, and not a single one ever walks out without a new security software install with a current subscription. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

What is running, or not running on your PC?  Do you have P2P applications such as LimeWire or Kazaa?  They might seem like a convenient way to download files and applications for “free” but their networks are also littered with infected files and malicious applications disguised as popular downloads.  Also, an improperly installed P2P application will run at all times and possibly leave your entire hard drive open to the P2P network – did you want to share your new mp3’s or your personal financial files? 

Has your PC slowed down recently?  Does it take a long time to finish a boot cycle?  Do you have intermittent and unexplainable internet connection interruptions?  Do you get messages telling you about how many malware applications have been found followed by offers to buy some really professional looking (or sounding) security software you’ve never actually heard of until now?

 All of these symptoms may point to a possible malware infection. 

So, how do you fix this?  What precautions should you take? 

First off, having current security software with an active subscription AND making sure it stays updated is the first step.  If you don’t have that, get it. 

Secondly, making sure all of the current Microsoft security updates are installed.  Yes, yes, it is all Microsoft’s fault there are all these viruses….  Uh, no.  Sorry, it’s not.  They need to make sure their software is secure, for sure, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could just trust people won’t do bad things?  It is still the fault of those who write and distribute the malware.  Microsoft, owning 98% of the operating system market, is just their biggest target. 

Different soap-box there; we’ll go off on that tangent another time.  

Third, make sure your data is backed up.  Current and complete.  Having a computer crash due to any reason is always less painful when the data on it is duplicated somewhere else and can easily be restored.  We’ll discuss backups in another blog article. 

A good first step is to stop using P2P applications and make sure your network is secured.  A good Firewall can be your best friend – another topic we’ll address at a future time.  This also includes putting a security key and encryption on your wireless network. 

Those are some of the precautions – but nothing, and I mean NOTHING goes as far as having some common sense. Don’t open random email attachments, don’t surf questionable websites, make your internet passwords strong and keep them secure. 

And if you need help, we’re always around to answer questions.

Viruses, Pop-Ups and Spyware? OH MY! is a post from: @ Blog