Malware / Virus Removal

Is your machine slowing down to a crawl? Are you constantly getting pop up adverts? Are you getting warned of virus infection(s)? Then your machine is more than likely infected with some sort of malware.

Malware, short for Malicious Software, is a type of software designed to do damage your computer or cause severe inconvenience to the running of your computer. Two types of Malware affect computer systems: Viruses and Spyware.

Viruses are files spread from computer to computer with the intention of causing harm to the file system or indeed the files stored within the file system. Viruses do not need human intervention and can pass silently from machine to machine without any noticing. They can lie dormant for days, weeks or months before activating. Common methods of transfer between machines include e-mail attachments, USB hard drives, key drives, CD-ROM's and floppy discs.

Spyware is software often injected into your machine via unpatched operating systems, internet browsers, applications and device drivers / support websites. Internet Browser toolbars can be a source, as can, what can be described as 'bad websites' commonly found on the dark side of the internet. Spyware can monitor keystrokes and internet usage and send this information to web based systems to log passwords, credit card details and web usage patterns. Ironically the technology behind spyware began as a genuine legit tool to target specific adverts (Adware) to websites matched to that users browsing patterns.

A new breed of Spyware is infecting machines today. Scareware as it is becoming known, displays pop ups on your machine simulating Anti-Virus software informing you that your machine is infected with Trojans and other viruses. These then ask you to 'install' rogue software promising to clean these fake alerts. Sometimes they won't even ask and just install in the background themselves and become apparent without your permission. The software then bombards you with fake warnings, popups and alerts telling your machine is severely infected with all sorts of viruses and spyware promising you all will be fixed if you purchase the full version of the software. However, never ever consider purchasing software that has just appeared on your machine. As well as being out of pocket financially, the teams who mastermind these forms of Malware now have your credit card details - more often of which is then passed to criminals for their perusal.

Anti Virus software will NOT protect you against Spyware and Anti Spyware software will NOT protect you against viruses. It is a misconception that by installing Anti Virus Software you are protected against everything - unfortunately this is not true. If you have anti virus software, consider an anti spyware product to compliment this. For free products, have a look at my Links section

However, if it is too late and your machine is infected then your machine may need professional help to assist removing the Malware. Depending on the Malware infestation, it may be easier and safer to wipe the system and start from scratch.

Unfortunately too, as of recent weeks, Apple Mac's - which were infamous for their ability to operate without Anti Virus or Anti Spyware due to the enhanced security are becoming targets - mainly due to the rise in Popularity as people switch from PC to Mac

If you require more information, or would like a free quotation, please contact colin-anderson.it with details of your requirements.