11/29/2013
Annoying pop-up boxes or browser hijacks you've all seen malware or crap-ware in action. We are often asked how did I get that on my PC I'm very careful when I'm on the internet.
Today people are installing applications at a very high rate some of them are from less than reputable sites. This could be anything from that screen saver that promises serenity on the beach, to a Torrent file that you have not scanned for viruses.
You also may have downloaded and installed a reputable piece of software that had some less than wanted features attached to the installation and did not pay attention during the multiple click the next button screens.
Then there is always the malware that installs even more malware without your permission.
Some tool bars on the market that install into your browser are also known to wreck havoc on your healthy computer.
So how do you protect yourself....always have an up to date virus scan software on your PC. If you are using a "FREE" virus scan you should ask yourself if you would accept the "FREE" antibiotic from the guy on the street corner if you had a lung infection. While the Free virus scans are usually made by reputable companies you have to question the motive of free companies are in the business of paying their employees and it's hard to by groceries on free.
Even worse news is that people are out there knowing that you have spyware and are offering up a solution to fix it, and yes you are right they just infect you even more. There are also fake virus scanners out there that inform you that you have a virus and tell you if you pay $39.95 they'll make the virus magically disappear.
Here is an article (a little extreme) that shows just how easy it is to get "hacked" by malware.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2998/
Have you ever wondered how malware, spyware, scareware, crapware, or other undesirable software might get on a computer? First we’ll illustrate how easily your system can be infected, and then we’ll show you how to clean it up.
