Are you concerned about computer viruses and ransomware? If your computer is valuable to you and your work, it’s essential to learn how to protect it. It’s probably already happened to you at some point where your computer ends up infected with a virus. Here are some easy ways to protect yourself from any viruses or scams.
What Is a Virus?
A virus is a small, typically simple program designed to reproduce itself, and it is usually attached to another, more extensive program or document. The most common way to get a virus is by downloading an infected file from the Internet; however, email attachments are also famous for spreading viruses. A virus can harm your computer by making it less responsive, corrupting files, deleting files, and disabling hardware.
What Are the Most Common Types of Computer Viruses?
There are many types of viruses out there. Some of the most common types include:
- Emotet
A virus that infects computers through spam emails attempts to get the user to download a macro for Microsoft Word or Outlook, which allows the virus to propagate through their computer.
- Open Redirect
A virus redirects a user’s browser to a malicious website to attack their computer through the browser.
- SQL Slammer
A virus that uses SQL and takes over the computer to steal all users’ information.
- MyDoom
A virus that takes over the computer and displays a fake Windows popup. It tells the user that they have a fatal error and need to pay $100 to fix it.
- Mailslurp
A virus is found in 3rd party tools that spy on users’ computers, such as keyloggers, to steal passwords. It was designed to allow the 3rd party to obtain passwords.
- Nachi
A virus attempts to install a keylogger on the computer by creating macros in Microsoft Word, Outlook, or Excel.
- MSIL/DownLocker
A virus that steals and locks the computer’s control panel making it difficult to fix or retrieve information, like network settings and files. It blocks important processes from being launched by the computer’s operating system in order to gain control of it.
- Sargat
A virus steals files, sends them over the Internet, and transfers them to other users with the same computer username. This virus will also log the user’s keystrokes, browser activity, and screen resolution settings to a remote server.
- Boleto
A virus that encrypts and back-ups the user’s files. The encryption key is sent to the hacker along with the encrypted file, which allows the hacker to decrypt the files when needed.
- WikiSpy
A virus captures and locks the user’s computer screen, so the user must reboot to regain control of the computer.
How Can You Prevent Viruses from Getting on Your Computer?
In order to prevent viruses from getting on your computer, you can keep your software up-to-date. You can also invest in a good antivirus program and make sure it’s running when browsing the web or opening email attachments. Turning off Java and Java script helps too. You can keep your software up-to-date by downloading updates when prompted. A good antivirus program will scan every file before opening it and will protect you from any threats. If you use public Wi-Fi and internet cafes, you should be extra careful about the sites you visit and not click on every link or download anything that sounds suspicious. If you come across a virus, immediately delete it and move on. Keep this in mind the next time you are downloading something online.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to the computer system it infects and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order to decrypt the system. Ransomware is an encryption program designed to block access to a computer system by preventing users from accessing any of the programs or files on the system. Ransomware targets a wide range of different file types and prevents access to data on the infected computer system by placing itself on the Windows registry.
What is the best free way to protect a PC from viruses and malware?
One way to protect a PC from viruses and malware is to download all updates from software providers. Users should ensure their computer has the latest updates from software providers to prevent viruses and malware. Antivirus software is another way to protect your computer from viruses and malware. Always use a good antivirus that checks every file you open, not only system files.
How to use the free antivirus Avast
Avast offers free antivirus software to protect your computer from any malicious software. All you have to do is download the free app from their website. The following steps are required to install Avast:
Download the latest version of Avast from the company’s website
- a) Click on “Download Free.”
- b) Click on “Next.”
- c) Click on “Start Download.”
- d) Click on “Accept.”
- e) Click on “Install.”
- f) Click on “Close.”
- g) Click on “Next.”
- h) Click on “Agree.”
- i) Click on “Finish.”
- j) Click on “Close.”
Open the file once the download is complete and click on “Run.”
Once you run the Avast setup, you will be asked to register your product. To register your product, you will be required to enter your email address and a password.
Once you have successfully installed Avast on your computer, you will see a window saying “Welcome,” and there will be a window that will show you what you need to do.
Go to the “Start” menu to open Avast and click on “All Programs.”
Click on “Avast” and “Start Avast Antivirus”
Click on “Next”
Click on “Agree”
Click on “Finish”
Now you will see a window that says “Avast Setup Complete” and click on “Finish.”
This will take you to the next window, where you will be required to type in your password to register your product. Remember your password because you will need it in the future.
Protect your computer from viruses and ransomware. Find out how with these brilliant ways.