What is a virus/malware?
With over 60,000 new individual malicious threats coming out every single day, it is more important than ever to have adequate security for your computer. There are many different types of threat:
Viruses – Viruses range from slowing system performance to wiping out every file on your computer. Worms – Worms can travel through the internet and inflict great damage from deleting files to creating backdoors that give its creator control of a system. Trojan Horses – Trojans do not have the ability to self replicate, but they do have the ability to deliver destructive payloads and unload viruses, worms or spyware. Spyware – Spyware tracks and reports your computing activity without your consent. Rootkits – Rootkits are employed by hackers which gives them all the abilities of a system administrator from a remote location.
Malware is a digital epidemic and will attempt to attack your computer from every direction. The problem is, the internet and email are exceptionally useful tools in modern life. So what do we do about it? Use a good quality all round security solution, keep it updated and run regular scans. Check regularly for windows security updates and set system restore points. Only download files from a trusted website. Disable the preview pane in your email program - many viruses will exploit this feature. Only load files from from a trusted sources. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know, especially if it has an attachment. Be careful when using peer to peer file sharing software, the file you are downloading may be infected.Combine these tools and suggestions with safe computing and you have a much better chance of keeping the malicious threats away.
Of course, you are never completely safe from attack, so it is always wise to regularly back up your important data.
For free advice on security and data backup, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Northern Binary Systems
15 Hencotes
Northumberland
NE46 2EQ
01434 600022 or 0871 0500866 (Office)
0905 0533008 (Technical Support) 50p/Minute