Don’t Be Snowed by Ads and Viruses

These days it seems that pop-ups are worse than ever. All new pages bring pop-ups with them. Or do they? If a page is causing pop-ups or constantly encouraging you to download/update software, that is a page you might want to avoid.

The internet is filled with Malware, fake software that often loads viruses onto your computer. To avoid Malware, be very cautious about the links you click. A Java updater isn’t always an actual Java updater. Sometimes, it’s clever Malware waiting to fill your computer with viruses that slow your computer down or even cause serious problems like lost files.

How exactly do you avoid Malware?

Well, it’s not a science. Just be careful what you click. If a website doesn’t look reputable, then don’t click any links or ads. If a website opens with a pop-up, then go back. Sometimes viruses can sneak in the second you open a website without even clicking any bad ads.

Avoid websites that seem sketchy right off the bat.You wouldn’t open doorways down a haunted hallway, you’d turn around and run for your life. When you’re on a bad website, you’re running for your computer’s life.

A simple ad blocker can prevent many of the pop-ups or ads that you see on websites. For most browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, you can search for something called an extension or an add-on. These are often free apps that you can download to improve your user experience. One such program would be Adblock Plus for Chrome or Firefox. Remember though, not all add-ons or extensions are safe either. Double check before you download anything from the internet.

What do I do if I already have Malware on my computer?

That’s where antivirus software and pop-up blockers come to the rescue. A virus scanner, like Symantec Endpoint Protection, will help protect your computer from unwanted Malware and viruses. Symantec will also eliminate viruses that manage to get onto your computer too. For more assistance eliminating viruses or malware from your computer, you can try MalwareBytes. Stop by the Help Desk for more information.

Antivirus software ultimately works to protect the entire system from viruses. Each computer on campus is a player in protecting our system. That’s why one of the requisites for accessing the Etown network is that every registered computer must have Symantec installed (including up-to-date virus definitions). For more information on Symantec, or instructions for updating your software, check out this Knowledgebase article on Symantec Endpoint Protection.

Be careful where you click, and make sure that your antivirus software is running and up-to-date. You never know if there is a virus hiding behind a link. For more information on internet security check out these Knowledgebase articles on Computer Security. To read more about avoiding Malware, check out Tips to avoid Malware on your Windows PC or Mac Isn’t Safe Anymore.

If you find yourself with a virus on your computer, stop by the Help Desk in Nicarry or call to set up an appointment x3333. There are specialists that can help clean your computer and remove the malicious software (Malware.)