Malware and spyware are certainly real threats for anyone using a computer that is connected to the Internet. Malware is any program with a purpose of infiltrating a computer without user knowledge of the infection with the purpose to damage the system, steal information, or just be annoying to the user. Spyware is a specific type of malware which is characterized by the intent to steal personal information from a user. Computer users have to take the offensive when it comes to keeping their systems clean from infections while surfing the Internet. A combination of keeping the latest patch levels on both Windows updates as well as virus scan signature updates in conjunction with being vigilant when it comes to the types of sites a user visits and makes themselves available to will greatly reduce the odds of infection.
Malware can be a tremendous threat to Internet users. Malware software presents itself in a number of ways and in many cases it damages a computer to the point where a user simply has to reload the operating system. The results can be:
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o Corrupted files
o Stolen personal information including credit card numbers, bank accounts, etc
o Annoying pop up ads that a user remove
o Software that cannot be uninstalled by conventional means
o Passing the infection along to other users
How can an Internet user protect him or herself? Preventing a malware infection on a computer requires a multilevel approach.
1. A user must keep their computer patched with the latest and greatest updates from both Microsoft as well as their virus scan manufacturer. Malware is often written to take advantage of a flaw in Windows that has not been patched on the host computer or compromise a virus scan package that has out of date signatures installed. Keep a check on your Windows updates. The second Tuesday of every month is Microsoft's patch Tuesday. They release new patches and security updates on this day via Windows Updates. Many computer users when they first acquire a computer will turn off the pesky notifications in the task bar from Windows security center that tells them their virus scan or windows updates settings are not up to par. However, most users forget to keep a check on the patch levels and signature levels without reminders from their system. If you do alter the settings in Windows Security Center, make sure you are diligent about checking the state of your system and installed virus scan.
2. Browsers play a huge role in your online safety when it comes to malware infections and other malicious programs. Microsoft has come a long way from Internet Explorer versions 5.5 and 6. Those browsers were literally full of security holes. Things have been greatly improved upon with versions 7 and 8. Mozilla Firefox has also had to find its way through some security issues, however, all in all, it has been touted as a more secure browser than Internet Explorer. Make sure especially if you are still running Windows XP to check your browser version. Windows Vista and Windows 7 come preloaded with versions 7 and 8 so you will not have to worry about having the older versions installed out of the box.
3. Install and maintain a reputable virus scan that can also search for and prevent malware infections. Most people have heard of McAfee, Symantec, Trend-Micro, etc. If your computer came preloaded with one of the above, make sure you have a current subscription and your signatures are updating correctly. If you do not want to pay for virus scan software subscriptions, there are a lot of really great free virus scans available. AVG and Avast are a couple of really great free scanners that do not charge for home use.
4. Run a true malware removal program at least once a week to make sure you are not infected with something your virus scan may have missed. A great software package for this purpose is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software. This program even in its free form can scan for and remove infections.
5. Keep a check on your browsing habits. Many malicious software sites are coded to trick you into installing a seemingly legitimate software package which is actually a malware program that hijacks your system. Never install software that you are prompted to install from an unknown website even if it looks legitimate. Malware writers are becoming better and better at engineering their software to be impeccably hard to distinguish from legitimate software packages. They may even be written to resemble an anti-malware program! Many users have installed malware because they were prompted that their system was infected with malware and they needed to click to install an "anti-malware" software that will clean their system. Do not fall for this trick.
6. Keep a check on processes that are running on your computer as well as software that is starting up with the Windows boot. Microsoft's SysInternals website is a great resource for Windows tools that help with keeping your system clean from malware. Three highly recommended programs found there are Process Explorer, Autoruns, and Process Monitor. These programs are great for taking a look at what is running "under the hood" in Windows and can verify processes file signatures which helps tremendously in determining if a process that looks legitimate is actually malware.
The battle against malware infections continues to rage on with Internet users. Malware is a serious threat to our personal security and one must go to great lengths to make sure personal computers connected to the Internet do not become infected with malicious code. Having the right tools is essential to keeping a system clean. Also, being smart and vigilant at all times while browsing goes a long way in preventing a malware infection. It is much easier many times to keep malware off your system than it is to get rid of it once it is there.
Malware and Spyware - Threats to Internet Browsing
Elisha Wallace is a technical writer and reviewer for http://www.computer-howto.com.
Visit http://www.computer-howto.com to find the latest how to guides and technical information on common computer challenges and issues.
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