WHAT IS AN OUTGOING COMPUTER VIRUS
Do not want to be responsible for an outgoing computer virus? Then be sensible when opening and forwarding attachments.
An outgoing virus can be hard to detect because you don’t notice it on your system. These viruses do their work in the background, silently infecting other computers while you use the computer to perform other functions. The majority of outbound viruses infect other computers by attaching themselves to email messages. Read More
Is Your New Computer Virus Free?
The holidays are behind us and you are now enjoying your new computer. Did you do what was necessary to make your computer virus free?
What Should be done with Your Computer
The first and most important step is to purchase a legitimate, paid antivirus software package. Free antivirus software is better than nothing, but the majority of virus infections treated remotely by SupportChoice are not stopped by free antivirus software. A good example of this would be the FBI Scareware virus. Many paid antivirus software products on the market have problems with some of today’s more aggressive viruses. Virus writers are making sure viruses can infect systems protected by antivirus programs. Know that the free antivirus software does not provide the same security you would receive from paid software. Do a Google search to see all the types of software available and even do comparison shopping. You should be able to find an antivirus program that fits your needs.
Next, you make sure you have the latest Windows updates, as well as the latest versions of Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, and Java. Viruses commonly use Adobe and Flash software to infect computers. Unfortunately, Adobe and Java are needed for many websites to work properly. Since new versions come out frequently to patch security holes in the software, ensuring you have the most recent version will help avoid viruses. The recommendation is to set these programs to update manually or the extra step is go to each site and see if there is an update available.
Lastly, use caution when using a computer. When reading emails, avoid clicking on links or attachments, from contacts you do not know and even if you know them, be skeptical. Don’t rely heavily on the email address either; a hacker can “spoof” or disguise an email address to be any address they want. Typically, if someone you know has their email account hacked, their infected email account will send a virus to you. Be cautious when clicking on links or ads on websites, especially on social networks like Facebook. How many times have you seen a link from a Facebook friend that just did not look right? Go with your instincts and do not click on the link.
Keeping software, Windows, and antivirus products updated – along with some common sense – are key to keeping that new computer running fast well into the New Year!
Remember, if your antivirus software is unable to remove your virus, give SupportChoice a call. We can find a plan that will be a perfect fit for you and your needs.
What are the symptoms of an infected computer?
It’s not always easy to tell if your computer has been compromised with a virus. More than ever before, the authors of viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware are going to great lengths to hide their code and conceal what their programs are doing on an infected computer. That’s why it’s essential to follow advice that is given by many professionals that deal with computer viruses: in particular, install Internet security software, make sure you apply security patches to your operating system and applications and backup your data regularly. Read More
Computer viruses can be a nightmare. Some computer viruses can wipe out the information on a hard drive, tie up traffic on a computer network for hours, turn an innocent machine into a zombie and replicate and send themselves to other computers. If you’ve never had a machine fall victim to a computer virus, you may wonder what the fuss is about. But the concern is understandable. Computer viruses are just one kind of online threat, but they’re arguably the best known of the bunch.
It’s easier now to transfer computer viruses due to the Internet. The Internet age is when the boom of computer viruses really started. Computer viruses have been around for some time but it was harder to pass along a virus. Before the age of modems, a person needed to upload a computer virus by passing along infected disks to other people.
I decided to roam the Internet to see what experts think were the top 10 worst computer viruses of all time. It was not very hard for me to recognize that many experts recognized the same 10 but in different order. I decided to put a list together in no particular order. Read More
We covered in detail many of the scams and viruses attacking technology in our everyday lives. From the FBI virus to Scareware tactics, thieves are beginning to get the upper hand. What that means is you need to take steps to prevent any vulnerability you may be exposed to. In the previous blog (http://www.supportchoice.com/blog/be-aware-of-scareware-virus-tactics/) we discussed the existence of these scams, but in this article I would like to give you a firsthand example of an experience one of our customers recently fell victim to. While obviously the customer will need to remain nameless, I can give you details on his unfortunate situation.
Benefits of Remote Computer Support
Did you ever have a computer problem and have to take the computer to a store to get it fixed? Or did you have to wait for a technician to arrive at your house to fix the issue? If yes, try remote support next time. What would you do if your computer received a virus or starts running slow? Instead of doing the options above, give remote support an opportunity to fix your machine.
Here at SupportChoice, this is what we do. We provide remote desktop support and can provide services that include virus removal, printer & e-mail support, and year round protection & maintenance. Not only do we support computers, we also support other devices such as iPads, cameras, tablets, and cell phones. Read More
What is a computer virus?
I thought it would be good idea to take a step back and do a computer virus 101 blog. Vulnerability continues to be a major issue and causes nothing but grief for computer owners.
A computer virus is a special kind of computer program which:
- Spreads across hardrives and networks by making copies of itself, usually covertly.
- Can produce undesired side-effects in computers in which it is active
How infection occurs?
In order to infect a computer, a virus has to have the chance to execute its code.
Viruses usually ensure that this happens by behaving like a parasite, i.e. by modifying another item so that the virus code is executed when the legitimate item is run or opened.
Good vehicles for viruses include the parts of a disk which contain code executed whenever that disk is booted, and documents which contain macros executed whenever that document is opened with the relevant application.
As long as the virus is active on the computer, it can copy itself to other files or disks that are accessed. Read More
WHAT IS THE FBI VIRUS?
There are many viruses and malware applications that can get inside a computer undetected. One scam that is presently out there and causing havoc is “The FBI Federal Bureau Investigation” alert. We have discussed this in a previous blog. http://www.supportchoice.com/blog/a-new-virus-called-ransomware/. This virus claims that the computer is blocked from being used due to illegal use or distribution of copyright material, viewing or distributing pornographic content, or even spreading viruses to other computers. To remove this block, a payment has to be made. Whatever you do, do not make a payment and work quickly to remove the virus.
HOW CAN YOU GET INFECTED WITH THE FBI VIRUS?
The virus or malware gets through system vulnerabilities found when users visit infected sites or download files that are infected. These vulnerabilities are there because the computer security is outdated or security is not even present. This is why it is always important to have software that protects from these types of viruses and then always update your software when available.
The biggest concern with this virus is that it locks the system down and makes the computer inoperable. In order to unlock the system, a screen that looks like it came from the FBI tells you to make a payment. It should be understood that you never want to make the payment as this does not guarantee that your system will be operable as there will still be an infection and of course, you do not want to help the scammers. Read More
There is a new trend in malware called Ransomware. Ransomwareis a virus that can be best described as blackmail. What this malware does is lock or disables your PC then asks the computer owner to make a payment that in return has the computer usable once again.
Even making the payment does not guarantee that the malware remains on the PC. This would mean that the malware would need to be manually removed. Even the Apple iOS and Android operating systems are targeting.
A good example of this type of ransomware is the FBI ransomware. Computer owners are asked to make a $200 payment to have the computer unlocked and usable again. SupportChoice has received numerous calls from customers about this ransomware and have successfully removed the virus.
Different divisions of the FBI have been posting warnings to be aware that this is not from the FBI but a virus scam to extort money from people.
Usually a typical antivirus program will remove the Ransomware. If not, give SupportChoice a call. We can help you remove the malware and help you with any other virus or OS issues that you may have.
What does SupportChoice mean to you, the customer, and how does that compare to the brick and mortar? It goes without saying that the brick and mortar refers to your local PC store, but what needs to be said is the quality of service will vary drastically from store to store. Stores go in and out of business and even your location may change as you progress through your own personal life. People move for many reasons, but will your PC store be there for you in your new location? Have you spent time getting to know your technician and have they gotten to know you? Do you find it frustrating to tell your entire history over again to a new service agent just to get them up to speed each time? These are all questions you must ask yourself when deciding who earns your business, SupportChoice remote support or a brick and mortar. In this article I will discuss the Pros of SupportChoice and help you decide for yourself which service is best for you. Of course I am biased, but I am going to be completely transparant. I chose to work at SupportChoice over the brick and mortar for many reasons and money was not one of them. I am very happy with the opportunity given to me here at SupportChoice. I believe in my team members, our management and the overall goal of the company. Read More