Tag Archives: computersecurity

10 Tips to Block Off Malware From Your Computer

A virus or malware infection is something that a lot of computer users have experienced at some point. It is particularly frustrating to figure out a way to remove these intrusive applications with the least damage to personal files and programs. Most of us turn to anti virus software to resolve these issues. That’s the most common approach that most people would take. But it is also important to understand the root cause of the problem and start from there.

We quickly put the blame on computer viruses and that’s no coincidence. However, it’s not the viruses that are at fault at all times. There are instances that malware is to blame.     Here are 10 tips that will help you remove these malicious programs off your computer and how to prevent them from coming back:

Install an anti-virus / anti-malware software

It’s a no brainer. This is one application that all computer should have regardless if they are personal or used for work. To avoid any nasty consequences of a malware attack, be sure to have anti-malware software installed. The added protection will decrease your chances of malware infection almost entirely.

Don’t let virus/malware definitions go outdated

Every day, there are new viruses and malware that are uploaded over the internet. Once your anti-virus software company finds this new malware, they add it to their list of known infections. They then send over these updated malware definitions to their subscribers to protect their customer’s computer from new malware. However, in some instances, anti-malware applications are not set to automatically update, which leaves the computer and personal information vulnerable to attacks. Always make sure that your software is always up to date.

Do regular scans

If you want tight information security on your computer, do regular scans. If your anti-virus software is up to date, the next thing you should do is regularly scan your computer, especially if you’re on the internet most of the time.

Keep your operating system up to date

Some operating systems have more support than others. Be sure that you are running your computer on the most recent OS. There are a lot of developers that focus on computer security, which means you are less likely to be infected on a more recent operating system than on an older one.

Add another level of network security

Today’s devices make use of wireless connectivity. However, there is a lot that could go wrong with the wireless printer that you wouldn’t want to happen. For all of your devices that connect to the internet, add a secure password. Your Wi-Fi also needs secure passwords, keeping your SSIDs safe from prying eyes.

Never click on anything dubious

If you receive an e-mail that contains an attachment of some sort, don’t be too quick to click on it. Make sure that the e-mail comes from reputable sources. Double check the sender before you open anything. Some phishing schemes make use of this method. Spending 5 minutes more on double checking will do a great deal for your security.

Be wary of what of sharing information on the internet

A lot of hackers hijack your information primarily because it’s just lying out there in the open. Be careful of what information you share over the internet. What you put out there could be used to steal your identity.

Never use open Wi-Fi

While the idea of getting free Wi-Fi sounds pretty tempting, never go on anything that doesn’t have any encryption. This could potentially be dangerous. Your data or anything that you open up while on that open Wi-Fi can be stolen.

Don’t leave your files without proper backup

If you’ve got a lot of important files on your computer, the first thing that you should do is to create a backup. Regardless of whether your primary files get infected or not, your backup will always be there. Cloud storage is most common nowadays and it’s done in real time. It’s also a cheaper alternative.

Don’t use one password on all accounts

A lot of us are guilty about this. Password1234 just won’t cut it anymore. Don’t use passwords that would typically be used and can be guessed quite easily. Use strong passwords with a combination of special characters. This will be harder to decipher and access your information.

Want to have total information security but don’t know how to? Call Spartan Tec today to get protected.

Spartan Tec Inc
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-561-9788
https://www.spartantec.com/

Spartan Tec Inc
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
https://spartantecwilmington.business.site

Spartan Tec Inc
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
https://spartantecinc-computerconsultant.business.site

Spartan Tec Inc
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartan-tec-inc-computer-consultant.business.site

Spartan Tec Inc
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
https://spartan-tec-columbia-sc.business.site

antivirus

Advertisement

What Is A Spyware and How To Deal With It

A software that is installed on your computerwithout your knowledge or permission is called spyware. A software that is downloaded without your authorization is also considered as a spyware. This topic is controversial since even if it is installed for a seemingly harmless reason, it could violate the privacy of the end user and it can also be abused.

Spyware could be hard to detect; usually, the first sign a user has that his computer has a spyware installed is a significant reduction in the network connection or processor speeds and for mobile devices – a decrease in battery life and data usage. Anti-spyware tools could be used to stop or get rid of spyware. These tools could either offer real time protection by scanning the network data as well as blocking any malicious data, detect and get rid of spyware that is already installed through the execution of scans.

Users can prevent spyware by downloading software that comes from trusted sources, to read all the disclosures upon their installation, and never click on pop up ads as well as remain updated with patches and updates for browser, OS, as well as application software. To lower the possibility of infection, network administrators must practice the principle of least privilege and need remote workers to gain access to the network resources over a VPN or virtual private network.

Types of Spyware

Spyware isn’t just a single type of program. It’s a whole category of malicious software including keystroke, Trojansloggers, and other programs that steal information.

Adware – this commonly comes with free shareware programs, software, and utilities that are downloaded from the net, or installed on the computer when the user goes to a site that is infected. Several internet users first encountered spyware in 1999 when Elf Bowling came with a tracking software.

Cookies – these track and record the personal information of users as well as their internet browsing habits. They are the most common kind of adware. An advertiser could use cookies to track the web pages that the user often visits so that it could target advertising in a campaign that involves contextual marketing.

Keyboard loggers – it is a kind of system monitor that are usually utilized by cyber criminals to steal PII or personally identifiable information, sensitive enterprise data, and login credentials. Keyloggers can be used by employers to monitor the computer activities of their employees or by parents who wish to supervise the internet usage of their kids.

Trojans – these are malicious programs that appear as legitimate programs. A user who falls victim to a Trojan will have malicious software that poses as a legitimate one. This will allow the Trojan to get access to their computer. The Trojan could then delete the user’s files or encrypt them so they could ask for a ransom.

Mobile Spyware – this is dangerous since it could be transferred using Short Message Services or SMS or MMS Multimedia Messaging Service text messages and doesn’t need user interaction to do the commands. If a tablet or smartphone becomes infected with mobile spyware that was side-loaded using a third-party app, the camera of the phones, as well as microphone could be used to spy on close by activity, browsing activity, record phone calls, as well as keystrokes.

SpartanTec Inc. can help you protect your computer and network from getting infected with spyware. With our IT consulting services, you no longer have to worry about computer hackers, malware, spyware, or viruses from getting into your network. We offer computer data security as well as virus removal solutions to make sure that your private business information are protected against the various online threats that are out there.

Call SpartanTec Inc. now and let ups help secure the business that you’ve worked so hard for to build.

SpartanTec Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-561-9782
https://www.spartantec.com/

computersecurity