Network Security

Posts Tagged ‘malicious’

Many people may concern about how computer gets infected with spyware, rootkits, trojans, and other malware. For arming with such knowledge can help avoid being affected by these viruses. Below is a list of the most common ways a computer can contract these infections.

All people who use the computer should be aware of how to properly use the computer and protect it from malicious software.

No anti-malware software

It’s highly recommended you have some form of anti-virus and spyware protection on your computer to help protect you from malware and other infections. Because malware programs are growing rapidly, changing into more complicated and difficult to detect forms. You need a guard to defense your PC form these malicious program.

Why you need to install anti-malware software?

When downloading some software from the Internet, you may download some programs that contain viruses and other malware. So make sure you’re downloading the software from a reliable source and scan it with your anti-virus program before open and install it.  

Accepting without reading

According to a research, the most common ways a computer becomes infected is the user accepts what he or she sees on the screen without reading the prompt or understanding what it’s asking.

Some common examples:

Accept unknown plug-ins without reading. When browse the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window might appear to tell that your computer is infected and a unique plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you’re getting, you accept the prompt.

A very often situation is that these plug-ins are malicious software that designed to monitor your usage of the program.

Opening e-mail attachments

Another very common way people become infected with viruses and other spyware is by opening e-mail attachments. Sometimes, these e-mails are sent by a co-worker, friend, or family member, so you treat it lightly. However, E-mail addresses can be easily faked, what’s worse, even if they are not faked, your acquaintance may unsuspectingly be forwarding you an infected file if they get infected by some viruses.

So be careful when receiving an e-mail with an attachment. Delete it right away if the e-mail was expected from someone you don’t know, and be cautious when opening the attachment if the e-mail is from someone you know.

Not running the latest updates

This is the most easily forgotten part. Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems and programs, are security updates. Running a program or operating system that is not up-to-date can be a big security risk and can be a way your computer becomes infected.

Pirating software, music, or movies

When you download copyrighted music, movies, software, etc. for free from some websites, you may easily get affected for many of the files can contain viruses, spyware or malicious software. So next time, be careful when download something.