Main menu:
Home & Uni
Virus, adware, malware and trojan repairs
I want advice on malware now
What are viruses?
Viruses are small files that attach to emails or downloads and infect your computer which is why you need virus protection. They can be as harmless as displaying funny pictures on your monitor or they can go through your address book and send everyone within your address book the same virus. More dangerous versions can completely wipeout your computer and all your information and some can take over your machine and send spam from your computer. Without your knowledge, you can become a spammer. Virus protection saves you from virus problems.
What are hackers?
Hackers are the underbelly of the internet. They are people who randomly scan the internet to find “openings” so they can go in and snoop around. Once into your machine, they have as much access to it as you do. That means your online banking, personal data, family data are all available to a hacker. Hacker security is your safety net when surfing.
#1 if you use any personal information on-line make sure you are secure (you wouldn't leave your credit card or cheque book on the doorstep!)
if you haven't got good anti-spyware on your PC get it now - see links in the text or right
if in doubt contact us
#2 anything you do on a computer can be traced unless you "clean up" after use
see our "data secure" page for details on how to clean up
if in doubt contact us
Virus, adware, spyware, trojans, malware and other attacks are becoming more frequent and serious. This means that they can be difficult problems to correct. Our professional technical expertise will identify virus problems, eradicate viruses and repair the damage caused to your PC.
Attacks can change the look of your internet browser, your home page, send information about which web sites you're visiting and when, copy addresses from your address books, send emails from your pc, copy files and programs to your hard disk without your knowledge.
We can help eradicate these problems if you already have a virus you can't eliminate.
You can find out more from a leading antivirus specialist here
Spyware monitors your every move in the Internet in order to use this information without your permission and can have serious consequences for you.
They are computer applications that collect information about your browsing activity, preferences and interests. The data collected is sent to the creator of the application or third-parties, either directly or after being stored on the computer. It can be installed on computers in many different ways, including Trojan which install them without the users permission; when visiting web pages with certain ActiveX controls or code that exploits certain vulnerabilities; shareware or freeware applications downloaded from the Internet, etc.
It can be installed with the user consent and awareness, but sometimes it is not. The same happens with the knowledge or lack of knowledge regarding data collected and the way it is used.
Adware is a term used to refer to Advertising Software or programs that display advertisements using any means available such as pop-up windows, banners, changes to the browser home page or search page, etc. These advertisements can be associated to the products or services offered by the creator of the adware or third-parties. As for spyware it can be installed with or without the users consent. The same is true regarding how much we know about its functionalities.
Dialler is a program that can, without you knowing, disconnect the telephone connection to the Internet and redial for example a premium-rate number, with the obvious consequences on the your telephone bill.
Want to know more? like how they work or how to tell if your computer is infected?
How does spyware and adware work
Spyware, adware and dialers use different channels for entering your computer:
A Trojan can download and install them from the Internet. On accessing a web page and depending on your browser configuration, you may be asked permission to install an ActiveX control from an untrusted or unsafe source. You browser settings may be set to load these automatically. Hidden during the installation of seemingly innocuous programs downloaded from the Internet with shareware or freeware licenses.
Spyware is developed by companies looking for financial gain through rather unethical means. In this way, they collect information about users in order to find out their likes and preferences. This information is then used by these companies themselves or sold on to third-parties. Advertising can then be distributed in different forms to promote the products and services of other companies.
Banners and pop-up windows or changes to your home page. Changing default search options, or altering the results of searches. Installing other companies' programs, which can also be other spy programs or promotions of other applications. Their behaviour, once installed, can be categorised as follows:
Hijackers: changing user information, such as the browser home and search pages, interfering with search results, etc.
Trackware: programs that carry out inventories of the applications installed, searches of users' movements on the Internet, etc. To do this they save all searches made with the search engine that they install as the home page or insert a (keylogger), on the computer to track all keystrokes. These can be activated using a BHO (Browser Helper Object) or browser plugins. They are usually loaded when a link on a malicious web page is clicked on, and they are executed when the browser is opened. They may be visible as browser toolbars, or remain hidden while they perform a series of operations without the user knowing. Other forms of activation like those used by viruses and Trojans.
Do you have adware or spyware on your computer?
More importantly how can you protect yourself? It can be difficult at first sight to know whether you are the victim of these kinds of threats. You can only be certain by using a good integrated and up-to-date security package. If you fall foul of an infection before the antidote is available even then you come unstuck.
However, there are certain symptoms that indicate the presence of spyware or adware (although they may also be an indication of other problems)
The appearance of pop-up windows, advertising banners or new toolbars in the browser. The sudden change home page or locking of the Internet browser.
Unusual slowdown of the computer for no apparent reason. This could be for several reasons: many programs operating at the same time or network problems, but it could also be due to spyware or adware. Computers lock when there are excessive loads but they can also lock due to the malfunctioning of a spy program or adware. This is a particularly likely explanation when the computer locks when only handling simple operations that should not involve a heavy workload for the system.
Tips to stay protected against spyware, adware and malware:
Increase your browser security level to prevent the automatic execution of scripts and ActiveX controls.
Be especially careful with programs you download from the Internet: many free programs, especially those from P2P applications, could contain spyware or adware. These programs will affect the performance and memory of your computer, will prevent it from operating properly and can even cause the browser or operating system to lock.
Ensure applications installed on your computer are kept up-to-date, by installing windows and other application security patches. This will prevent spyware from exploiting vulnerabilities to install itself on your PC.
Install a good anti-malware package on your computer that detects not just viruses but also, adware or dialers. Click here to find a product that best suits your needs.
Keep your anti-malware solution up-to-date. If it can be updated automatically ensure it is configured to do so.
If you've already got a problem and you don't want to buy a full protection product try this malware cleanup tool.
Viruses and spyware are evolving faster than ever. New types of spam appear every day. Hackers are always searching for new machines to attack and control. With the number and type of threat constantly increasing, an antivirus solution alone is not enough. You need to protect your computer against all threats.
Remove virus, trojans, adware and other malware from your computer
Home office computer, internet laptop data recovery repairs Leeds
Sub-Menu: