Viruses are a form of Malware which basically means Malicious Software. A computer program or code made to disrupt, destroy and gain access to your computer or files. Other common Malware is is Spyware, which spies on you. And Ransomware which holds your files or computer hostage until you pay the criminals.

There are many places you can get Malware, which is discuss in detail on the Townsville Nerds website. However, this post will talk about lesser known places people in Townsville are picking up Malware.

Social Media

I have never personally seen any Malware on a social Media site like Facebook or Twitter, but where how people are getting infected is through the use of click bait on these platforms.

A Facebook user will post something interesting to get your attention like an article or video which will have a link which takes you off Facebook.

As you leave Facebook and enter the domain of the criminal, you are susceptible to infection either through software exploits or by being tricked into downloading and installing something.

Antivirus Programs

Antivirus programs are very good and do a great job of protecting your computer. Criminals know a lot of people do not pay for Antivirus programs and are always looking to download them from the internet.

So, they make virus infected programs which look very similar to known antivirus programs and give them similar names in hope you will search, find and download them.

You the unsuspecting victim download the FAKE antivirus program thinking it will protect you, when it infarct is itself a virus.

Another variant of this tactic is to load you up with a program which tells you that you have viruses even if you don’t. Then requests a fee to remove them.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are very popular now and you can pretty much find one which does anything you need.

Browser extensions are usually free downloadable addons to your web browser which give you more functionality than the web browser like Google Chrome was made for.

Popular web browser extensions do things like take screenshots of websites, scan for virus, block ads and speed up browsing etc.

However, again criminals also use and make them to infect your computer. You download a particular browser to only find out soon after you are bombarded with ads, a slow computer and maybe even the ability to use your machine.

Conclusion

Every day we see new and innovative ways criminals are trying to access or destroy your data. It is almost impossible to keep up with that’s why its very important to do your research before going or install software which you are no sure about.

There are plenty of forums around and just about everything is only a Google search away. If there is a problem with a particular site or piece of software you can bet there are lots of people already talking about it online before you ever come across it.

Do your research and when in doubt call Townsville Nerds on 0402807890 today.