Over the past few months Computer Troubleshooters The Gap has seen a marked increase in Malware outbreaks. These infections take control of systems by installing what appears to be a legitimate antivirus program. In the worst cases they will render the PC next to useless, popping up constantly demanding your attention claiming the only way to fix the situation is to buy the product. More worrying lately these infections have been changing file associations and permissions.
The Malware programs will often state they are from trusted sources such as Microsoft and look familiar by using colours and branding associated with them. Such as XP Antispyware 2011, Vista Internet Security, AntispywareStudio etc etc.

Why do the creators of this Malware do it?
They want your personal information. They want to stalk and track your behavior. They want to steal your identity. They want your passwords. They want access to your bank account and credit card details. In short they want your money.
Where do they come from and how do they get onto your machine?
The threats are all around. Commonly from email attachments, hiding in downloads as part of the install. Sometimes links to websites can contain downloads you are not aware of, selecting them can start a download you won’t know is happening. Some Malware spreads across networks and hides in USB drives, moving from machine to machine as it is plugged in.
Malware used to be concentrated to more easily recognized areas, get rich quick scams, you are our 10,000th visitor go here to claim your iPad or Xbox, Click here to enter our competition to win an iPod. Torrent file sharing websites, cracking/hacking websites, pornography, music download sites the list goes on.
However the reach of these hackers has expanded to infecting legitimate sites. If a hacker can get there link or file onto popular websites for just a few minutes, they can potentially infect millions of unsuspecting users. Users are infected whilst visiting social networking sites, car sales sites, government sites, auction sites. Don’t take any site for granted.
How do Computer Troubleshooters protect you?
We use and have access to the best antivirus products available such as AVG Internet Security, ESET NOD32, SuperAntiSpyware professional, Viper Antivirus and more. These products are regularly updated and offer cutting edge protection against infection.
You have become infected even with protection, why?
Estimates predict there are some 30,000 new threats detected every day, that’s 1250 per hour. If your antivirus software is 4 hours out of date that leaves you open to a potential 5000 threats your software doesn’t yet look for. Many threats circumvent firewalls and protection by being initiated by the user. The user who plays the latest joke video or downloads the latest music track has requested the download.
Antivirus software is your SECOND line of defence, user behavior is your FIRST.
So what can you do?
• If it’s too go to be true it probably is. Don’t believe everything you read.
• Only read or open emails and attachments from trusted sources. If you are unsure about the email delete it immediately. If the message is legitimate the sender will most likely contact you another way to find out if you have read it.
• Don’t open ANY spam emails, delete them immediately.
• Trusted sources will never ask you to confirm your details or change passwords. If you need to change your password or details, follow the route you would normally. Initiate from the beginning the way you log into the trusted site.
• Don’t install and use add on toolbars to your web browser ( Internet Explorer or Firefox etc). They could potentially compromise your online security. Toolbars such as NineMSN, Ebay, Yahoo, Google, ASK, Skype etc.

What can you do if you get a suspicious pop up?
Always shut down the pop up by selecting the “X” in the corner, only this option is in your control, any other buttons such as “Cancel” or “Quit” will most likely activate and install the Malware.

If you find there is no “X”, make sure the message is the active window and using the keyboard press the following keys. Press and hold the Alt key then press the F4 key, this will quit any active window. It will also shut down your PC if you keep pressing Alt and F4, so take your time.

If you think you have been infected call us on 07 3300 0555. At no charge we will give you our honest opinion on what we believe is the best course of action. Under no circumstances enter any personal information, or credit card details.

Thank you to Computer Troubleshooters Hallett Cove for the article.