Antivirus & Ransomware
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is essential for keeping your computer safe from malicious threats. Designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, antivirus programs protect your system by scanning, identifying, and eliminating harmful software. By removing malware, antivirus software helps maintain your computer’s performance and provides security while you browse the internet, preventing infections from malicious websites. Using antivirus software is crucial for safeguarding your personal and sensitive data from theft and damage.
Antivirus Questions & Answers
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Toggle ItemHow does Antivirus Software work?
1. The software scans files and programs on your computer from known threats.
2. It provides real-time protection by monitoring your system for suspicious activity and blocking potential threats immediately.
3. The software uses a database of known virus definitions to identify and combat malware. Regular updates to this database ensure protection against new threats.
4. This technique helps detect new, previously unknown viruses by analyzing the behavior of programs and files.
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Toggle ItemWhat should I look for in Antivirus Software?
You should always have reputable antivirus software downloaded on your devices. Good antivirus software will always meet the following criteria:
1. Provides frequent version and definition updates to combat the latest threats.
2. Consistently wins awards from industry-leading publications.
3. Has a dedicated, round-the-clock research team devoted to tracking virus evolution.
4. Is backed by an innovative company with a solid business reputation.
5. Does not advertise in pop-up ads or on questionable Web sites, such as gambling or pornographic sites.
6. Does not appear before you download it.
7. Google the product you are considering. If results such as “remove [product name] appear,” it is probably a questionable application.
Ransomware
In today’s digital age, cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and dangerous. One of the most notorious forms of cybercrime is ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to block access to a computer system or encrypt the data it contains until a sum of money, or ransom, is paid to the attacker. Once ransomware infiltrates a system, it locks users out, displaying a ransom note that explains how to pay the ransom in exchange for a decryption key. Ransomware can spread through various means, including phishing emails, malicious attachments, infected software downloads, and exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities in software.
There are two primary types of ransomware:
1. Locker Ransomware: locks users out of their devices entirely. Locker Ransomware does not encrypt files but makes the devices unusable until the ransom is paid.
2. Crypto Ransomware: encrypts valuable files on a computer or network, making them inaccessible until a decryption key is provided after paying the ransom.
By understanding what ransomware is and taking proactive steps to avoid it, you can protect your data, finances, and reputation from this pervasive threat. Stay vigilant and prepared to ensure your digital safety.
Ransomware Questions & Answers
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Toggle ItemWhy is it important to avoid Ransomware?
1. Financial Loss: Paying the ransom can be expensive, and there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key or that the key will work. Additionally, the costs associated with downtime, lost data, and recovery efforts can be substantial.
2. Data Loss: In many cases, even if the ransom is paid, some or all of the data may remain encrypted or be permanently lost. The loss of critical data can be devastating for individuals.
3. Reputation Damage: A ransomware attack can damage digital reputations, especially if personal or sensitive information is leaked.
4. Operational Disruption: Students studies and daily activities can be significantly disrupted if access to devices or important files is lost.
5. Personal Data Theft: Ransomware can compromise personal information, such as passwords, financial details, and private messages, leading the identify theft and other cybercrimes.
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Toggle ItemHow do I protect myself from Ransomware?
1. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up important data and store it offline or in a secure cloud service. This ensures that you can restore your data without paying the ransom.
2. Update Software: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and all applications up to date to protect against vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
3. Be Cautious With Emails: Be wary of emails from unknown senders, especially those with attachments or links. Phishing emails are a common way for ransomware to spread.
4. Use Strong Security Measures: Install antivirus software, enable firewalls, and use strong, unique passwords to enhance your device's security.
5. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
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Toggle ItemHow else do I keep malware off my device?
There are several methods to prevent malware from entering your system:
1. Educate yourself on how malware works (good job, you're already doing that!)
2. Don't click on unfamiliar links. If you aren't sure where the link came from or where it goes, it's not worth the risk. One good practice is to hover over the link to see its URL appear in the bottom right corner of your browser. If it goes somewhere unexpected, it's probably malware.
3. Read emails carefully if they come from an unfamiliar sender. Spelling and grammar errors can reveal a hacker trying to trick you. See our phishing page for more information.
4. Don't visit sites that offer free access to things you should be paying for. It is always a gamble whether the files you are accessing are clean. This includes file-sharing sites.
5. Don't give out personal information to anyone without verifying how it will be used and by whom. Make sure people are who they say they are.
6. Don't give remote access to your computer to strangers.
Our pages on Software Updates, Two-Factor Authentication, Passwords, and Backups give even more tips for preventing malware attacks. -
Toggle ItemHow do I know if I've been infected with malware?
1. Your Anti-virus and Task Manager (Activity Monitor for Mac) are disabled or show reduced information and can't be restarted.
2. Your friends receive social media invites from someone claiming to be you.
3. Your browser will have extra toolbars that you didn’t install.
4. Your password for a site no longer works, even if you are absolutely certain you are entering the correct one.
5. Your mouse begins to move on its own and it makes selections that make sense.
6. You receive calls about nonpayment of shipped goods when you didn’t buy anything.
7. There is a message on your screen about paying a ransom.
8. There are constant notifications about installing an antivirus program when you already have one or you have dismissed the notification multiple times
9. Your search engine results don’t quite match up with what you searched for
10. There is software installed on your computer that you didn’t install
11. Most of your money is gone from your online accounts
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Toggle ItemWhat should I do if I've been infected with malware?
- Don't panic.
- Turn off your system if you see suspicious activity (like a cursor moving on its own).
- Uninstall all software that wasn't installed by you.
- Contact your financial institution if money has been stolen.
- Restore your systems with any backups you may have kept.
- Change the password to any of your accounts that may have been compromised.
