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Malware: What Happens After MY PC
is Infected?
The top challenge to web
security, according to the cybersecurity firm Cyren, is the use of multiple
devices, which create numerous entry points for malware to enter your life.
Our desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones all present added risk in
today's gadget universe.
The mobility of these devices, plus the too-often unsecured nature of
networks at restaurants, coffee shops and airports provides a perfect storm
for cybercrime. And the "market," black as it is, shows it: nearly one
million new malware threats are released every day.
Malevolent actors are getting faster and smarter by the second, making it
more essential than ever for Windows users to protect their PCs with the
best, most up-to-date antivirus software they can find. But what happens
when a computer is already infected? To understand how insidiously malware
can work, it helps to look at two common types that aren't even technically
viruses: trojans and spyware.
Trojans
Trojans are programs that appear to be useful, but they intentionally run
destructive functions. Unlike viruses, trojans are not designed to make
copies of themselves and spread to other users, but trojans can carry
viruses and other malware within them.
Trojans can come from web downloads or email attachments, and it's all too
easy to be tricked into installing one because it looks like it will serve a
beneficial purpose. Trojans can even attach themselves to legitimate apps.
The effects of trojans can range from persistently annoying to permanently
devastating. Users have reported everything from the constant display of
ads, to the theft of their banking information, to the destruction of every
file on their computer.
Spyware
Spyware is tracking software that silently installs itself on your computer,
monitors (or even controls) your internet activity, and then sends private
information about you back to its creator. Spyware programs are commonly
used for annoying, constant targeted advertising but can also be deployed
for criminal identity theft. Either way, they compromise privacy and
overburden your PC with needlessly running background programs that can
grind PC function to a halt.
And consider what can happen beyond performance drain, for example with this
new intelligent spyware recently discovered by Cyren, as described in its
quarterly threat report:
"JS/IFrame.VJ.gen is a form of spyware launched in August 2015. It is found
on compromised WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla pages containing injected
JavaScript. The infection starts when a user visits a compromised site. The
simplified JavaScript code contains an iframe that redirects to a malicious
server location. Additional JavaScript is loaded, which then gathers
information such as the operating system, timestamp, timezone, and existence
of certain legitimate applications like Adobe Flash Player. The collected
information is sent back to the original server and a series of redirects to
fake sites follow, that look identical to or closely resemble Flash upgrade
sites, Google Chrome plugins, or other fake application sites. Once on these
fake sites, the victim is encouraged to download spyware or potentially
unwanted applications (PUA) that pretend to be real applications."
Warning signs
A slow and unstable computer is one of the most common signs of a
trojan or spyware infection. If your PC suddenly takes a lot more time to
open programs or begins to crash frequently, it may be infected. Other signs
include:
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Pop-up windows
appearing constantly
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A change to your Chrome, Edge
or Firefox homepage
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Frequent website redirects
after typing your intended destination into the browser
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New and unwanted toolbars
appear in your browser
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New and unwanted icons appear
in your PC system tray
What to do
If you think you may have a virus, spyware, worm, keylogger, trojan or other
type of malware, consider calling iolo technologies' Premium Services (iPS)
for a consultation with a tech expert. They can personally walk you through
effective actions that will diagnose and hopefully remove the threat. This
includes even re-installing Windows in the event the worst happens. iPS
technicians can:
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Remove destructive or
annoying pop-ups, toolbars and plug-ins
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Ferret out hidden malware
including spyware and "malvertising"
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Optimize needlessly sluggish
internet connections
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Diagnose software conflicts
and errors to speed up your PC
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Install or re-install Windows
security patches and hardware driver updates
To add a text link
for iolo technologies' Premium Services (iPS) to
your website/blog, please use the HTML code below.
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Infographic: 119 Email Marketing
Facts to Help Your Business
All serious digital marketers understand the value of email marketing; it's
one of the oldest, and most effective, ways to drive traffic, leads, and
sales.
We recently came across a must read Infographic on
WebsiteBuilder.org. Whether you're an experienced email marketer, or a
novice, we're willing to bet that the infographic will introduce you to a
few facts that you're not aware of. Grab a coffee and scroll through the
infographic; “119
Facts You Don’t Know: Email Marketing” and learn how to improve your
email marketing strategies today.
If you have any questions/comments on the above, please email
us. |
