Semalt Gives You Some Tips For Avoiding Viruses and Malware

Malware refers to malicious software that negatively affects the operations of the computer and the user. There are various categories of malware, for example, spyware, virus, Trojan, and worms.

Michael Brown, the Semalt Customer Success Manager, has prepared the following strategies that users can implement to protect their computer from malware attacks.

How Malware Infects Computers

• An attacker uses the internet to spread the malware. He or she uses software vulnerabilities to enable remote user access.
• The malware is also spread through infected email attachments.
• Certain websites have malware that installs automatically when browsing the internet.
• Some malware programs are hidden in CDs and software. They infect the computer during the CD or software installation process.
• Malware can also be spread using infected floppy disks and USB keys.
• Some malware programs infect the computer. After that, the malware spreads through the internet to attack the email, websites, and social networks.

Limited Accounts

People who share a computer at home should use the limited accounts. A limited account cannot install unauthorized software when browsing the internet. One account should be for administration. However, the other user accounts should be limited.

Use the Hardware Router

The hardware router prevents remote malware attacks through the internet connection. The router is located between the cable modem provided by the internet service providers and the computer. The companies that sell the routers include Netgear and Linksys. The hardware router enables several computers to share an internet connection. The routers have a firewall to prevent the computer from detecting outside and unsafe internet sources.

Updating Software

Computer programs have bugs or flaws that increase the malware attack risks. Other programs have exploits that the attackers can use to access the computer. Software manufacturers produce updates that aim at addressing the exploits and the bug challenges. It is, therefore, important for users to install the latest software updates. Software such as Windows and Firefox regularly notify the users about the available updates.

Ignore Pirated Software

Pirated software is used without the permission or authorization of the software producer. Microsoft discourages people from using pirated software through the "Windows Genuine Advantage" platform. Windows checks the validity of the software using the valid license key. Installation of the software is optional. However, the computers that do not have the software cannot receive important security updates from the servers of Microsoft. Insufficient security updates make the computer vulnerable to cases of malware attacks.

Be Careful with Strange Attachments and Programs

Malware attack can occur when a user opens strange attachments. It is advisable to delete strange email attachments that include unexpected images and documents. Suspicious software downloads should also be avoided. Some pirated software infects the computer with Trojan and virus during the download or installation process. The user should download programs from legitimate sites that safe.

Select Strong Passwords

Malware and attackers gain access to computers and internet accounts that have passwords that are known or easy to predict. Users should develop passwords that cannot be predicted by unauthorized persons or programs. Users are also discouraged from using one password to access several computer accounts or programs. If attackers or malware successfully access a computer program using a password, they will try to access other important software using the same password information.