By: Matthew Hick
There is a type of software out there that all computer owners and operators need to be aware of. That software is known as malware, or “malicious software”. Malware can completely destroy computers or make them difficult to use.
Malware viruses and worms:
One of the most dangerous type of malware is a malware virus or worm. These two types of malware spread quickly and sometimes undetected until it is too late and a great deal of damage has already been caused to your computer. A malware virus will drop its code into your computer’s files to make the virus spread. It often takes you – the user – to advance the spread of the virus. On the other hand, a malware worm will go into your computer’s files and replace them. Instead of needing you to help spread the worm, the worm will spread itself no matter what you do.
Trojan horse viruses:
Malware also takes the form of a virus known as a Trojan horse. A Trojan horse virus can do some severe damage to your PC. For example, you could simply download a desktop wallpaper program to decorate your computer desktop background. No big deal, right? Wrong! This program in particular has a Trojan horse virus embedded in it. You think you are getting desktop wallpaper, but in reality you are getting a program that goes into your system and leaves a backdoor open to hackers who can do just about anything to your computer and its information that they want. Hackers can get all of your previously-protected passwords. They can look at all of your bank account, credit card, and personal information you have on your computer. Trojan horse viruses can erase your files without your consent. More complex Trojan horse viruses can even appear to control your computer, by making your CD-ROM drive open and close at random times – when you did not attempt to make it open and close yourself. It will appear as is there is a ghost in your machine! However, it is no ghost – it’s a dangerous virus that can even make you an unfortunate victim of identity theft.
Protecting your computer from malware:
If you want to protect your computer from malware, it is very important that you buy high-quality virus protection software as well as a firewall. These two things will guard your computer from any type of malware attacks.
Please also note that you must, must, must update your virus protection software when it expires. If you do not do so, then it will not work to the best of its ability – and therefore your computer will not be protected from dangerous malware. Usually when you buy anti-virus software, the package is sold with an additional year of free software updates. After this time, it is completely up to you to purchase additional protection. For example, you can pay for another year or more of protection for a reasonable fee. Don’t let anything stop you from taking care of yourself and your computer!
