The Malware Categories & Ways To Remove It
Malware, or malicious software is software with the goal of essentially destroying any computer system. It is able to do the damage after it is introduced to the computer system. It can take multiple forms to get into the computer, Active content, scripts, executable code and other software. Some of the malware categories from most common to least are trojan horses, which is any program that is disguised as something it isn't, misleading the user.
The 2nd most common, Malware, is a Virus which is a piece of code that multiplies itself with the intent of corrupting the computer system or erasing data all together. Next we have worms, worms are able to spread between computers. They always inflict some sort of damage, even if it’s as little as using up bandwidth. Adware is an add showed to the user, and if clicked gives it access to the computer.
Often goes unnoticed by bypassing through he normal log in system. Sometimes described as a “tiny computer within a computer”. Spyware is only used 0.8% of the time, but it is simply just the passing of data from one computer system to another, sometimes without their knowledge and consent. The other 1.18% are different types so rarely used they are not often talked about. Malware is mostly used to receive protected information.
Malware exploits defects or errors in software. Often in the older versions of Windows and Microsoft. A common method is exploitation of a buffer overrun vulnerability where software designed to store data in a specified area of memory does not stop more data than the buffer can handle being given. Malware may give data that floods the buffer, with malicious executable code or data. When the payload is opened it does what the attacker intended. With USB drives, if plugged into an infected computer, can become infected.
The user, thinking the computer is the problem might take it out and plug it into a different computer. That flash drive then infects that computer and copys or erases its data. Any device that plugs into a USB port, even things like toys and lights or even digital microscopes, can be used to spread malware. If quality control does not meet standards, they can even be infected during manufacturing or supply.
While there are infinite ways a malware can get into your system, there are also a lot of ways you can prevent it. You should update your computer if it says you have one. updates are often give to patch any weak areas detected. The longer you go without updating the computer, or ignoring the ones already requested, your giving hackers a weak area to attack. With mobile devices it's important to keep up with software updates. You should enable click to play plugins. They prevent Java and flash from running add ons unless you specifically tell them to. It protects you from malicious ads.
With malicious ads you don't even need to click the software, it automatically runs. Which is why you should enable click to play. Don't call fake tech support. The pop ups of companies offering help are fake. A real tech support company would never offer you help via add pop up. Perhaps a pretty obvious thing you should do, Have a secure username and password. It's important to change your password pretty often. Dont link it to any personal information like a birthday or a last name. Use anti malware software like Firewall to protect your computer, Keep them updated.
If you do get malware, there are ways to remove it. The first step is to enter safe mode. Always disconnect from the internet. Now that your in safe mode you should run a virus scan. You should delete all your temporary files. This has multiple benefits. It may speed up the virus scanning, free up some disc space, and possibly erase some of the malware. After doing those steps you’re ready to scan. Download malware scanners. A good one will luckily remove most standard malware.
There are lots of myths about malware. The statement that Antivirus softwares will stop all threats is a lie. While Antivirus donors do their best to keep up with malware developments it's important to run a thourough Internet security product that includes technologies specifically designed to block threats. Even after all of this, there is no 100% guarantee of no malware. Viruses are not able to inflict physical damage on your computer.
People often speculate about topics like “What if bad code makes your machine overheat?”. Damage like this is just not possible, but programmers sometimes speculate that something similar to this may come to light in the future. Another thing is that people think they will notice when they have malware. Usually however malware goes unnoticed, Your computer will show Little signs of an infection. There are some signs to look out for.
While most leave no guaranteed sign and leave your computer working normally, there are some subtle signs. Poorer performance is the biggest sign. You may not be able to open google, or even connect to the wifi. Your browser might start changing. You might not even be able to access your computer functions. If you suspect there's a virus scan it right away. If nothing is found but you still have your doubts, you should run another antivirus scanner. People who have never had viruses often write them off as everyone being extra and aren't being very concerned. Well, there are instances that when research is done on may make you want to protect your computer.
First we have Cryptolocker. In september of 2013 the hackers released the virus through an email attachment. Once clicked it encrypt their files so they couldn't access them. If you gave them a certain amount of money, usually between a few hundred dollars up to a few grand, they would give you a decryption code.
Next we have ILOVEYOU. It was released in the year 2000 so by today's standards is pretty lame. In the year 2000 people didn't really believe in malware. The email had a title that said “I love you”. Inside was an attachment that said LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs’. This virus overwrite system files and spread itself all over the internet.
Next we have what is considered to be the most damaging virus of all time, MyDoom. It is the fastest spreading email based virus ever. MyDoom was unique, as it hit tech companies like SCO, Microsoft, and Google with a Distributed Denial of Service attack. In 2004 roughy 25 percent of all emails had been infected by MyDoom. The next one is called Slammer. This is also unique but in a different way, it is the first one that i'm talking about that targeted major things like 911. Within fifteen minutes of this virus being released, 911 servers had crashed, and ATM service was essentially dead. This malware ended up costing about one billion dollars.
Finally we have the scariest one yet, Stuxnet. It was built by government engineers in the US with the intention of obstructing nukes from being built in Iran. It spread a thumb drive and targeted a software facility that held uranium. It caused the centrifuges to self destruct, so needless to say it was pretty effective.
In conclusion, always protect your laptop of device. Keep up with all of its software updates to ensure the best function and protection you device is capable of. Don't open any suspicious emails. Don't click on any add you see on the side. It is important to turn on click to play so they can't get in without your knowledge, at least not through that way.
