How to Protect Against and Prevent Malware
True to its malicious nature, malware can be running in the background, slowing down your computer with no visible evidence. It can also use up some of your data, making you hit your data allowance sooner than anticipated.
Basics of Malware
What is Malware?
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Malware goes by various names, including viruses, Trojan horses, back doors, rootkits, spyware, and adware.
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All are unwanted programs with the potential to cause you and your computer harm, even potentially allowing access to your bank accounts and other secured, personal files.
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It infects computers through various sources, including emails — particularly those with attachments — file sharing, unsecured routers, downloads, or compromised websites.
So how do you know you’ve got malware?
In addition to decreased speed, watch for these symptoms:
- Unusual screen messages about registry errors
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A sudden increase in pop-up ads
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The web browser goes to an unexpected website.
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The toolbar on your web browser suddenly has new features or options, or the default search engine abruptly changes.
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The anti-virus, firewall, or PC security software becomes disabled.
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Increased PC crashes, especially “blue screen” system failures.
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Excessive hard disk read/write activity when the PC isn’t in use.
Tips to Help You Avoid Malware
What to do
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Use an anti-virus software program.
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Always turn off/shutdown your PC if you are not using it for extended periods of time.
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Always password-protect your computer and use passwords that aren't easily detectable.
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Check your computer hard drive space. Always keep at least 15% of the hard drive space free to keep the computer running smoothly.
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Remove any programs you do not use.
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Always empty the recycling bin (on a PC) or trash (on a Mac).
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Prevent unnecessary programs from starting when the computer boots.
- Run a disk cleanup. This can clean up hundreds of megabytes of temporary files.
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Run a disk defragment.
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This will reconfigure the way the hard drive stores information for maximum efficiency.
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Keep operating system up to date by performing regular upgrades.
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We recommend checking for new updates a few times a month. Many of these updates will help close security holes and optimize certain aspects of your operating system. Be aware, however, that some of the larger updates can consume a lot of data.
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What to avoid
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Download files or programs from sites you don't know or trust.
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Use easily detectable passwords on your computer.
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Avoid using your name, date of birth, mother's maiden name, etc.
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Use the same passwords for all files.
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Purchase from a website that doesn't start with HTTPS.
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The "S" following the HTTP in the URL address stands for "secure."
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Click on short links.
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Do your proper research first. Refer to websites like www.checkshorturl.com to verify that the link is real and take you where you want to go.
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Download free movies or music from file-sharing networks.
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Open unknown attachments in email.
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Malware is often embedded in these files and is very difficult to detect until after the infection has occurred.
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Blindly click on links in browsers or emails.
- Just because the link reads www.facebook.com doesn't mean it's going to Facebook. It's safest to hover over the link and look at the bottom of the browser to see the exact destination address. If the link and the destination address don't match up, don't click.
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