Key definitions;

Virus - Today a computer virus is a software program, script, or macro that has been designed to infect, destroy, modify, or cause other problems with a computer or software programs.

Spyware – Is a software program that has been designed to track a user's activity without the user fully understanding the intentions of the program or not knowing about its installation. Such as credit card details when logging onto online banking.

Malware - is a type of software program that has been intentionally designed to change a user's settings without his or her permission, such as deleting important files and documents.

In today’s modern technologically advanced society, many home users do not understand the concept of their computer becoming infected with a virus or spyware. Considering the disastrous consequences that they may implicate, this news comes as quite a shock. It can be complicated, but this article aims to simplify all of the complicated garbage going around today.

Viruses and worms present the biggest security risk for small and medium-sized businesses, a survey of more than 700 organisations by Forrester Research shows. The businesses also saw spyware and spam as more significant threats than external hackers and identity theft.

There are literally dozens of different ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Below is a list of the most common ways a computer can contract these infections listed in the order we believe are most commonly done.

Accepting without reading
By far one of the most common ways a computer becomes infected is the user simply accepts what he or she sees on the screen without reading the prompt and/or understand what it's asking.

Some common examples:
1. While browsing the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window appears that says your computer is infected and/or that a unique internet plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you're getting, you accept the prompt.

2. When installing or updating a program, you're prompted (often checkboxes already checked) if it's ok to install additional programs that you may not want. These could potentially contain harmful software that consequently infects your computer.

Opening e-mail attachments
Another very common way people become infected is by opening e-mail attachments, even from a co-worker, friend, or even a family member. E-mail addresses can be easily faked and even when not faked your acquaintance may unsuspectingly be forwarding you an infected file.

When receiving an e-mail with an attachment, if the e-mail was not expected or from someone you don't know simply delete it. If the e-mail is from someone you know, be cautious when opening the attachment.

Not installing the latest updates
Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft and other programs, are security updates that directly prevent this virus scenario from happening. Running a program or operating system that is not up-to-date with the latest updates can be a big security risk and can be a way your computer becomes infected.

The best way to counter-act this step is to take a precaution and install Windows updates. In addition to running operating system updates, the plugins associated with your browser can often contain security vulnerabilities. Make sure you have the latest versions of plugins.

Pirating software, music and/or movies
As you may already be aware, downloading copyrighted music, movies or software , is not only unfair, but also ILLEGAL. Consequently many of the files that are downloaded are free and are more likely to contain viruses, spyware and/or malicious software.

No anti-virus software installed
Statistically, it has been found (by experts at Avira) that ‘one in ten users browse the internet without any anti-virus protection.

If you're running a computer with Microsoft Windows it's highly recommended you have some form of anti-virus protection on that computer to help clean any infections currently on the computer and to help prevent any future infections.

Downloading infected software
Finally, downloading any other software from the Internet can also contain viruses and other malware. When downloading any type of software, make sure you're downloading the software from a reliable source and while installing it you're reading all prompts.

{jcomments on}