Tagged: Security RSS

• tmsconsulting 11:09 am on September 9, 2010
  Tags: PC, Security, Tech ( 4 ), Tips ( 3 )   

  Security Tech Tip 1: Avoiding Malware and the Like 

  In the last month we have spent several hours working with customers to recover data after malware has reeked havoc on their systems. This does not appear to be much of an issue, as of now, for Mac users. But if you are a Windows user the first thing you should do is make sure you have a decent malware, spyware, and antivirus protection. I have found that Microsoft Security Essentials is a nice start for those not wanting to shell out $40 or more per year. Some other free antivirus programs like Avast or AVG will help protect you from viruses but not malware or spyware so make sure you get something for the malware or spyware. It is also very important to frequently backup your important files.

  When I asked my malware customers when they started to have problems, the most common response was that it started after they saw a message telling them that their computer was at risk and encouraged them to click to download a special program. These messages usually appear when browsing the internet and are almost always a ploy to get the malware or spyware onto your system in the first place. One problem with these messages is that many times they look very much like a legitimate security message from Windows. If you see a message like this do not panic. Make sure you do not click anywhere near the message as even the close button may cause it to run. To get it to go away one thing to try is to hold down ALT and then press F4 on your keyboard. If you repeat this it will close any programs that are running in the foreground. If that does not work the safest thing to do is to reboot your computer through the start menu.

  Remember that the best way to protect yourself is to make sure you have a decent security suite that protect against malware, spyware, and viruses and to make sure it is up to date. If this article helps prevent even one person from having an issue with malware than I believe it was worth it.

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