Preventing Malware

What is Malware?

Malware is software designed to damage or disable computers and computer networks or steal personal information. Viruses, spyware, adware, and botnets area all included in this category.

Here are some signs that your computer might have a problem:

• You have endless or unexpected popup windows.
• You are redirected to web sites other than the one you typed into your browser.
• New or unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser
• Your browser's home page suddenly changed.
• Your browser's search engine changed.
• Random Windows error messages begin to appear.
• Your computer suddenly seems very slow.

How can I prevent Malware?

• Don't click on links within pop-up windows. - Pop-up windows are often a product of malware, clicking on the window may install malware on your computer.
• Choose "no" when asked unexpected questions - Be wary of unexpected dialog boxes asking whether you want to run a particular program or perform another type of task. Always select no or cancel, or close the dialog box.
• Be wary of free downloadable software - There are many sites that offer customized toolbars or other features that appeal to users. Don't download programs from sites you don't trust, and realize that you may be exposing your computer to malware by downloading some of these programs.
• Don't follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware or anti-virus software - The links may serve the opposite purpose and actually install the malware it claims to be eliminating.

Tips adapted from http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-016

No anti-virus or spyware prevention software is perfect. So if you're worried that something might be wrong with your computer have a tech person check it out.

Resources

IS recommends the following for home use: