| If you are concerned about viruses and malware that | | | | This virus started out as simple pop up ads that would |
| could shut your business down, you'll want to read this | | | | show up on your screen. As more and more ads |
| article as I'm going to discuss the top 5 Viruses and | | | | were displayed, your computer would be slowed |
| Malware that could cost you plenty. | | | | down in a big way. Many would get so frustrated, they |
| Before I get into the specific viruses and malware, a bit | | | | would throw away their computer and buy a new one. |
| of background is necessary. Believe it or not, the | | | | Of course there are programs like Spybot that will |
| McAfee computer security company says that at any | | | | remove these from your computer - if you know |
| given point in time, there are thousands of active | | | | enough to run the program. Nowadays, this virus is a |
| viruses infecting computers. Thousands! And many | | | | huge money maker because every time an ad is |
| computer users don't even know it! | | | | shown on your machine, the person developed the |
| As a point of reference, a virus is any kind of | | | | adware gets paid. |
| programming code or entire program. They are | | | | 4. Spyware |
| generally spread via email attachments. You may | | | | Spyware can be really dangerous because while you |
| have received strange emails with attachments in the | | | | computer is infected with this virus, it can track your |
| past. If you clicked on the attachments, your computer | | | | movements and it can track your keystrokes. This can |
| was likely infected (and still may be). General rule of | | | | lead to stolen customer or personal data. Spyware |
| thumb - never open any attachments unless certain of | | | | can also be set to that it will change your homepage |
| the sender. Even then, it could be an issue because | | | | or send you to sites that will install further viruses on |
| they may have unwittingly send you a file that was | | | | your computer. |
| already infected. Once a virus is on your computer, it | | | | 5. Hoaxes |
| can do any number of different things, including sending | | | | While this isn't a virus, it can waste as much of your |
| the virus along to everyone in your address book. The | | | | time as some viruses do. How? By sending your |
| best way to deal with viruses is to install an anti-virus | | | | information that leads you spend hours checking out |
| program - such as Avast - and you won't have to | | | | your system for the said virus. There are three ways |
| worry about them again. Avast will scan your systems | | | | you can determine if a virus is real or if it is simply a |
| to ensure you don't have any viruses and then go into | | | | hoax.a. Source |
| protection mode from then on. | | | | If you receive an email from your anti-virus company, |
| Another term for viruses is malware. Both of these | | | | it's safe to say it's a real virus that's being discussed. |
| terms are now really used interchangeably. The term | | | | However, if you get an email about a virus from |
| malware is short for malicious software. | | | | friends or family, it's likely part of a chain and is a |
| OK, on to the top 5 viruses and malware that you | | | | hoax.b. Participation |
| need to be aware of when it comes to protecting | | | | Anytime you receive an email from someone asking |
| your business: | | | | you to pass it along to all of your friends, it's most |
| 1. Worms | | | | assuredly a hoax.c. Authority |
| This type of virus is different from the normal virus in | | | | If you receive an email that contains a link to a major |
| that it doesn't need your assistance to spread. This | | | | anti-virus software concern, or legitimate known |
| type of virus will replicate itself and infect all the | | | | Internet security source, it's likely a real virus that's |
| computers on a shared network. Worms, like other | | | | being discussed. However, DO NOT click on any of |
| viruses, can be set up to do any number of different | | | | the links. Instead, visit the site itself by typing the URL |
| things from simply continuously rebooting your | | | | into your browser directly. |
| computers to stealing data. | | | | If you do receive an email regarding a virus and you |
| 2. Trojans | | | | want to be absolutely sure that it's not a hoax, you'll |
| This virus gets its name from the Greek Trojan horse. | | | | want to visit as they maintain a database of virus |
| Trojans usually enter your system via email. Without | | | | hoaxes and over hyped computer threats. |
| warning & without your permission, they will open | | | | I hope you've found this article on the top 5 viruses |
| themselves and will then perform some sort of irritating | | | | and malware of use. Viruses can be a very costly |
| and costly activity. Shutting down your computer is | | | | problem for your business. By installing and keeping |
| one such activity they are famous for. Unlike many | | | | anti-virus software updated and running at all times, |
| viruses, trojans can not replicate themselves. | | | | you will greatly lessen your and your businesses |
| 3. Adware | | | | chances for becoming a victim. |