Malwares, malicious and unwanted guests
Malicious and unwanted computer programs are collectively called malwares.
Malwares have become part of information technology and computer science history and some have caused severe outbreaks infecting thousands of computer worldwide resulting in huge security breaches and financial damages.
Incredible advances in information technology and the Internet in recent years and the fact that the number of computer and Internet users grow in number every day has been one of the main reasons that has facilitated malicious software spread.
Malwares use two methods to hide their malicious nature from computer users:
- Some malwares are installed without notice and the user is not even aware of the fact that something is being installed in background. Viruses and spywares are instances of this category.
- There are other unwanted computer programs that pretend to be useful softwares but start their malicious and in some cases destructive behavior after being installed. Trojan horses are good examples of this type.
Malwares can carry out a wide variety of actions. Formatting the hard disk (hard drive) that could lead to destruction of data, infecting computer files, stealing sensitive and private data (like user names, passwords and credit card information), annoying and unwanted popup windows, computer freezing and crashes.
Malwares are harmful even if they don not do anything special, because they use system resources like CPU time and system memory and make computer systems slower than normal.
Precautions:
- Never accept or download computer files from unknown individuals or web sites.
- Always get files from reputable sources and even in this case scan the files using reliable softwares (like antivirus and anti-spyware programs) that are capable of detecting and removing malicious files. The reason for this precaution is the fact that reputable and reliable sources could unknowingly pass on malwares to others.
- Take regular backups of your important computer files to be able to restore them in case of being destroyed by malwares. These backups should be taken after a complete scan of the system to ensure that you do not unknowingly backup any malicious program hidden in your system.
- Store your backups at secure and safe places.
- Update your antivirus and other related programs on a regular basis so they can detect new threats.
Actions to be taken after a computer has been infected with malwares:
- Carry out a complete scan of your files and operating system of the computer to detect unwanted programs and eliminate them.
- Restore damaged or destroyed files using backup you have taken before.
Some web sites that provide anti-malware solutions are listed below. They provide solutions for both personal and business uses.