Since the dawn of computing there has always been individuals who want to hack into other peoples computers, for entertainment purposes or in worst cases downright theft.

Now it’s o.k. that your reading this thinking you’re safe because you have protection on your computer, but what you must keep in mind is that anti virus / spyware providers are always one step behind the attackers.
Their protection can only safe guard you from known threats. Hackers are constantly finding new innovative ways to access computers and doing so undetected. This type of activity increases yearly at a rapid rate.

After attending a BNI meeting this week and watching a 10 minute presentation delivered by their chapters IT provider – it provided inspiration for this weeks blog that warns you about the potential dangers you may face at some point.

With the above said. Below are a couple of ways your computer can be infected with a virus, along with information on how to avoid the issue.

FREE Software install:

Two ways that you can be tricked with free software:

1: When you install free software directly onto the computer viruses are not always detected.
It is recommended that you scan all software and if possible – fully trust the sources that are proving you with the download. Some brief online research is required before diving straight in and making a mess of things.

2: Installs can also happen when you’re using an application. I.e. your internet browser when your viewing websites and are asked to install latest version of software or add-ons to a different software package that’s infected

To avoid browser infection – only visit trusted websites and never allow anybody to use your profile on your computer. If they require login – make sure they have their own account.

In many cases – only the profile on the computer gets infected by a virus, which can be deleted/removed from the system. All other accounts may still be fine and the full computer reinstall scenario can be avoided.

Email Attachment:

Just like the software virus infection – there are two things that email hackers aim for.

1: Email sent out to all your contacts as you.

If you decide to open attachments in fake emails they most likely contain the virus that sends the exact same message you received to all your contacts on your mailing list. In turn – they see mail is from you, open and their contacts are emailed.
This started some time ago and is increasingly becoming more common. Always avoid opening attachments when the email doesn’t look quite right. Even though it appears to be form somebody you know – if in doubt – contact the person directly.

2: Email attachment with encryption.

The next wave of attack to hit the internet is the encryption attachment that once opened – encrypts your hard drive completely until unlocked.

So what does encryption mean? After your computer hard drive has been encrypted – when you restart the computer – you will always be asked for a code to be inputted before the whole computer will start up.

This stops thieves from robbing your computer and gaining access to your files, but in a hackers hands – they can utilise this to lock your computer and demand a ransom before allowing you access again.

Depending on how valuable your data is seen to be – the higher the demand.

Conclusion:

Always avoid risks. Never take a chance on free software you are unsure of no matter how tempting it may be.

Always make sure you know who is sending you emails. Many of our clients have opened the attachments they receive because of curiosity after reading the content or they think its from somebody they know.

9 out of 10 times – the subject line and email content can clearly give you the indication that its a fake. Especially those mentioning money or asking for personal details of any kind.

Stay vigilant people. Stay Safe online.