angelinascott:
Malware, or malicious software, includes spyware, viruses, adware, worms, Trojans, keyloggers, potentially unwanted programs and other types of code that infect computers without permission. Hackers and criminals started creating malware in the mid-1980s, and it — along with many myths about it — has flourished ever since. Understanding common myths and how to implement security best practices will help you protect your computer and feel more confident in your online activities.
Here we list some of the most common myths and facts that most of us have. Top 10 Malware Myths & Facts Myth 1: Computer security and software update is the same Reality: Most of us have a tendency of ignoring software updates as we think they are unnecessary. But let me tell you they are very important for your computer’s security. Developers release updates to address the specific security issues, as an outdated computer is more likely to crash and attacked as opposed to one that has been updated and fully reinforced. People overlooking software-update prompts are the ones who suffer from most of the system crash and attacks. Therefore, to stay protected update your operating system and software installed regularly without any fail. Whenever you receive a notification run an update or you change the system settings to automatically update. This way you can avoid missing any minor or major update.
Myth 2: You receive notifications if the machine is infected Reality: There is no such concept of getting a notification if the machine is infected. The number of studies shows that about one-third of the world’s computer is infected but no one gets to know about it. Even though no one notices as without having enough knowledge a person cannot tell if a machine is infected by malware or adware. Each infection works differently some malware slows down the system and some run undetected. Therefore, the best way to stay protected is to run regular scans using an updated anti-virus, anti-malware software and use the malware removal tool. For this purpose, you can try running Systweak Anti Malware on your Mac and Advanced System Protector on your Windows machine.
Myth 3: Mac machines are 100% secure Reality: Sometime back individuals use to think Mac machines are secure. But that is not the truth due to Apple’s low market share attackers do not use to create threats targeting mac machine. This made them fly low under the radar but today things have changed. Apple’s market share has grown significantly and so is the hacker’s inclination. A recent study shows Mac malware attacks have grown in recent years as compared to 2016.
Myth 4: Trusted sites are safe Reality: Whenever a cyber-attack is witnessed it always suggested to avoid visiting untrusted sites but no one mentions that a known website can also be infected. There are many examples of the same happened to Yahoo, The New York Times and other big organizations in recent years. The most common practice adopted by cybercriminals is to place a malicious ad on legitimate sites known as malvertising. As the visitor goes to that website and he views the ad the malware is sent to his computer, even without clicking on the ad all this happens. To shield yourself from it one should disable Adobe Flash Player and other browser plugins. Plus, you should run a scan using updated antivirus software.
Myth 5: Buying Antivirus programs makes a hole in the pocket Reality: This isn’t correct because even without spending a penny one can run an antivirus program as there is the number of free antivirus software and best anti-malware available. You can them to protect both your Windows and Mac machines. These free programs download the latest definition updates to protect the machine and add an additional layer of security.
Myth 6: Malware is not dangerous if there is no important data on the machine Reality: Malware doesn’t just look for only private information but it even tries to access account information and send out spam to your contacts. Or, it will record your keystrokes to steal credit-card numbers and login information for bank accounts, social networking platforms, and other online accounts.
Myth 7: Data can be restored from a backup even if hacked Reality: If you think that wiping clean your computer and reinstalling a fresh operating system will help you then you are mistaken because if you aren’t careful while taking the backup of files then you may restore malware on the fresh machine. As malware can be attached to the backed-up files or can be hidden in the hard drive sectors. Therefore, to stay protected and avoid facing such a situation run a malware scanner or scan using anti-virus and best anti-malware product before taking the backup of the date. This will help you stay protected from infections, rootkits, and all other threats.
Myth 8: If your machine is infected it means you are hacked Reality: Malware infection doesn’t mean that your system is hacked and hacker is trying to access information. Your machine can be infected due to various reasons: *By opening a malicious attachment sent in your email *If you install any malicious software from the internet *Visited an infected web page *To learn more about malware and how it works click here
Myth 9: Antivirus software can protect from malware infection Reality: Most often people think that an antivirus program alone is sufficient to guard the system. But that is not true as hackers just waiting to take advantage of any system vulnerability. Therefore, installing and running an updated malware scanner and best anti-malware software eradicates all the risk and secures the system.
Myth 10: Malware can destroy your computer Reality: Malware doesn’t have the ability to damage the functioning of the system as it is just a piece of malicious code that spreads infections. It doesn’t affect the physical part of the PC. After wiping clean, the system you can easily install a new operating system but make sure that you run a thorough scan on the system before taking any backup and restoring it on the freshly installed operating system.
Awareness is the Best Defense Against Malware Malware is still a significant problem. Now more than ever, hackers are interested in breaking into your accounts, collecting your sensitive information, and stealing anything of value from you. While having an antivirus program is an important first step, they can’t always protect you from your own computer behaviors like clicking harmful links or failing to update your software.
That’s why you need to stay informed, keep learning about the latest malware, and update your antivirus, browser, and operating system regularly in order to be prepared for tomorrow’s emerging threats today.
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