Our Geelong computer technicians are talking about Malware in this week’s blog.
Malware may have been a term you have heard before but you find yourself just nodding and agreeing because you have no idea what it is… is it a little gremlin crawling in my computer?
Well, yes! It is essentially a little gremlin in your computer wreaking havoc. Malware (or in this blog also known as the gremlin), is computer software programs that compromise computers, mobile devices or tablets. There are various types of malware such as computer viruses, adware, spyware and more. No matter how it appears on your device, all malware wreaks havoc on a computer and its network. Check out our previous blog about networking.
What damage can malware do?
Typically, malware is installed without your knowledge, causing several unpleasant issues, including impacting your computer’s performance, mining your device for personal information, stealing passwords, deleting files and rendering your computer and connected hardware inoperable.
Signs of a malware or virus infection
With technology rapidly advancing, no one is safe from malware, virus infections or spyware. Therefore, our team at Geelong Technology Group understands that it is essential to have anti-virus protection on your computer and understand the signs of a malware attack so you can deal with it immediately. Some signs of a malware attack are:
- Pop-ups that won’t go away or are difficult to close
- Flashing, brightly coloured (and usually annoying) pop-ups
- Sudden lack of storage space
- Slower than normal computer
What do you do when you suspect a malware attack?
Often portrayed as one of the worst things that could happen to your computer, a computer virus, spyware, adware or any type of malware isn’t right; however, it is relatively common to have your computer infected.
Take the following steps if you suspect a malware attack:
- Disconnect your device and any hardware connected to your device (e.g. printers, scanners) from your internet.
- Use a different computer or mobile device to check all your online banking and personal accounts you linked to from your infected device for unusual activity. If possible, we suggest putting a freeze or hold on your banking accounts just to make sure they are safe.
- Talk to IT experts at Geelong Technology Group. We will assess the device and remove the virus to get your computer back up to speed.
Preventing a malware or virus attack
Ideally, you want to prevent a virus attack, so having a proper (and working!) anti-virus program on your computer can make a difference. If you are unsure if your anti-virus protection is working, have the IT experts at Geelong Technology Group install, update and verify your anti-virus protection. At Geelong Technology Group, we recommend ESET Smart Security or Bitdefender for all home and businesses around Geelong, Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding regions.
Keep your business safe and secure with these steps:
- Have working antivirus software
- Run regular scans of your system
- Backups your files
- Monitor your behaviour (i.e. don’t click on suspicious emails or ads)
- Have strong passwords that do not include personal information.
- Review your banking and personal accounts regularly to make sure there are no suspicious posts.
- Avoid using unsecured WiFi networks.
Engage the best IT experts in Geelong
If you suspect your computer is infected, drop by our Belmont workshop or give us a ring on 03 5244-3030 immediately for IT support. We will sort your computer, laptop or tablet out.
With decades of IT experience helping homes and businesses in Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and surrounding regions with anti-virus protection, we know the area well.