First aid in case of adware/spyware/malware infections

By: Ms Mindy Matter

The most important thing to remember when dealing with malware is to know the enemy. You have to learn what the threats are, how they work and how to remove them. While it is necessary to group these programs into categories, each one is unique and you must know which enemy you’re fighting to track down the proper cure.

Types of malicious software and signs of infection

Every program that fits into the description of “malicious software” will affect your computer without your knowledge or consent. They may be designed to damage or even destroy an infested computer system (Trojan horses, viruses, worms), steal your private information by monitoring your keystrokes, e-mail addresses or website visits (spyware) or simply slow down your computer with millions of pop-ups and sometimes even monitor your online movements to gather marketing information (adware). All of these nasty bugs fall under the classification known as malware.

The most common signs of infection include

low computer performance,
increased amount of damaged files,
problems with various applications,
unwanted toolbars displaying ads,
changes in your homepage settings or favorites (bookmarks),
increased amount of pop-ups,
search requests are automatic redirected to other search engine,
security programs are no longer responding,
increased amount of spam found in your mail,
increased bandwidth usage
mysterious activity on your modem, even if you are not working online.

If you see any of these signs on your machine, you are most likely an adware/malware victim and you need to take action immediately.

How does malware infest your computer?

Today, most of the malware that is out there gets into your computer via the Internet: bundled with freeware, downloaded by clicking on a pop-up or hidden in a spam email attachment. You can also get infested by a drive-by-download or tricked by a rogue anti-spyware tool. Whatever you do, you will probably remain unaware of the fact that malware has just infested your computer system until it becomes well-embedded in your system and starts to seriously affect your machines’ performance.

How to remove malware and secure your computer

Most malware/adware threats are very resistant to standard removal methods. The best way to get rid of them is using reputable anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. In almost all cases, they will make short work of any such threats.

Another great tip is to do scans on a regular basis, even daily if you want, to try to find any infections as soon as they happen. The less time that a malware program spends on your hard drive, the less damage it is going to do to you, your files and your personal information.

Still, as is the case with most malware and adware, the best way to avoid problems is to use some common sense. Most of infections would never occur if computer users were aware of the fact that clicking on every pop-up or opening every attachment they received in e-mails is exactly what all hackers and adware makers want us to do.

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By Mindy Matter for www.removeadware.com.au/ - Here you'll learn about online privacy and how to remove adware and malware programs: www.removeadware.com.au/ - Please link to this site when using this article.

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