Articles tagged: malware
Could Malware Record My Chats and Video Calls?
If you’re curious what might happen if a hacker was in control of your computer, the question really is “What can’t they do?”
Are the Bad Guys Winning?
Media hype makes it seem like the bad guys are winning. They’re always in the lead – but don’t believe the hype.
Can I Get Malware From Opening an Email?
It used to be that simply viewing a malformed email could allow a virus to spread. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
Should I Disconnect My Backup Drive When I’m Not Backing Up?
Some people disconnect their backup drive when not backing up because they fear ransomware. I explain why that’s a Really Bad Idea.
Is It Safe to Download from Download Sites?
Download sites are just too risky these days. Don’t use them unless there is no way to avoid them, and even then, be very careful in your selections.
Should I Buy a New Computer to Fix Malware?
Buying a new machine is a common knee-jerk reaction to a bad malware infestation. And it’s wrong. Not just a little wrong — it’s completely unnecessary.
Can I Check for Malware before Downloading Something?
Files cannot be checked for viruses before being downloaded, but there are precautions you can and should take.
How Can I Send an Attachment If It’s Blocked by the Recipient’s Email Program?
Many email programs try to protect users from malware by blocking certain kinds of attachments. What if you’re sending something that’s legitimate, but blocked?
How Do I Remove Malware from Windows 10 or 11?
Trying to remove malware? I’ll walk you through the steps and options, from simple to hard, including the only approach that’s guaranteed to work.
Internet Safety: 7 Steps to Staying Safe Online
Online security is critical. Here are the key steps you can take to keep yourself safe on the internet.
Will Using an On-Screen Keyboard Stop Keyloggers?
Using an on-screen keyboard instead of a real keyboard might stop some keyloggers, but there’s no guarantee that other techniques aren’t also being used.
Why Did My Security Software Not Detect a Virus on My PC?
Even with up-to-date anti-malware tools, you can still fall victim to malware. I’ll explain why by comparing your computer to your… bathroom?
I Found a Thumb Drive. Should I Plug It In?
USB thumb drives or flash drives are a non-obvious but easy way to spread malware. Be careful when dealing with any unknown device.
Can Malware Infect Other Computers on My Network?
There are forms of malicious software that attempt to travel from machine to machine on your local network. There’s good news, though.
Protecting Your Privacy: Points of Vulnerability
Tracing the privacy and security of the path from your fingertips through the services you use to your information’s final destination.
How Do I Prevent a Repeat of Ransomware?
All malware is scary, especially ransomware due to the damage it can inflict. Here’s how to avoid a repeat performance.
My Machine’s Full of Malware; Should I Get a New Computer?
For some reason, many people’s gut reaction to a malware infestation is to consider getting a new computer. That’s unnecessary.
Phishing: How to Know It When You See It
Phishing is a way scammers trick you into providing personal and financial details. Phishing opens the door to identity theft and more.
How Do I Make Sure I Don’t Have Malware?
It’s impossible to know your machine has no malware. What does that mean for your safety?
How Do I Remove Malware that Blocks Downloads?
Some malware goes to great lengths to prevent you from downloading, running, or applying a fix. I’ll tell you what steps to take.
How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?
Once your files are encrypted by ransomware, your options are few. If you’re not prepared, there are a few straws to grasp at.
Resist Those Dancing Bunnies
Malware authors often make fantastic promises to get people to bypass their security software. It’s important to remain skeptical, vigilant, and attentive.
How to Avoid Ransomware
Avoid ransomware the same way you avoid any malware. A full backup will save you not only from ransomware, but from a host of other problems as well.
How Do I Bypass Keyloggers? The Guaranteed Way to Avoid Having Your Keystrokes Maliciously Recorded
I hear about techniques to bypass keyloggers often. The problem is, keyloggers can log much more than keystrokes. There’s really only one solution: avoid them in the first place.
What’s a “Zero-Day” Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline
A zero-day attack is an exploitation of a software vulnerability before there’s a fix for it. I’ll review the timeline.
Can Malware Survive If I Reset My PC?
It’s possible for malware to be difficult or nearly impossible to remove. It’s also extremely rare.
What’s the Best Anti-Malware Tool to Keep Me Safe?
Over the years, your choices when it comes to anti-malware tools have become simpler, yet frustratingly imprecise.
What Can a Technician with Remote Access Do?
Several current scams center around gaining remote access to your computer, often in the guise of fixing problems. There’s no way to know what was done, but we do know one thing: it’s a trap!
Which Files Were Affected by a Hack or Malware?
After a hack or malware infection, you’ll want to know you’ve cleaned up the resulting mess. The news is not good.
I’ve Been Told My Computer Has a Virus, But My Anti-Malware Program Doesn’t Remove It. What Do I Do?
Making sure your anti-virus program and its definition database are up-to-date is the best way to make sure it can recognize and remove viruses.
Jumping to Conclusions
I’ve noticed a couple of patterns in the questions I get, and both boil down to a form of jumping to the wrong conclusions.
How Do I Remove a Website from My Computer?
How to remove a website from a computer is a common question, yet it actually doesn’t make sense – websites aren’t on your computer. I’ll look at what is.
Is anti-virus dead?
Anti-malware tools have never been 100% solutions – but, despite what we hear on the news, they are far from dead!
Can Malware Authors Hijack My Anti-malware Software?
Once a hacker has control of your machine they can do anything they want. So yes, they will try to disable your anti-malware… and more!
Should I Cover My Webcam When Not in Use?
Sure, you can cover your webcam with tape. But that won’t solve the real problem… you’ve got malware on your computer!
Should My Anti-virus Scans Include My External Drives?
Malware can certainly insert itself on external drives. The question is how high is the risk?
Do I need all these Office 2007 updates if I also have Office 2010?
Even if you don’t use all the software on your computer, malware might! So it’s best to always accept updates when they are offered.
Can an ISP Remotely Access My Computer without My Knowledge?
Knowing who you are dealing with is the key to safe remote access. It’s not the technology that’s a problem. It’s the person on the other end of the remote access!
Can a flash drive that has a Linux install on it become infected?
Depending on the format of the drive, how the malware finds you, and how you access Windows, you may or may not have a problem! Does that sound vague enough for you?
Can I Be Sure My Machine Is Malware Free?
Believe it or not… you can’t prove that you don’t have malware. But when your computer slows down, it doesn’t necessarily mean malware.
Will Someone Hacking My Router Show up on My Computer?
Router hacking is rare, but it can happen. I’ll discuss what it is.
Are Silent Background Updates a Good Thing?
In my opinion, background updates are awesome. I love that Chrome is always up to date without my ever even having to think about it. Let’s look at why.
Why Doesn’t Malware Appear in the Add/Remove Programs List?
Malware not showing up in the Add/Remove Programs list doesn’t surprise me at all. After all, malware’s success is based on its ability to hide from you!
How Do Webcams Get Hacked?
The bottom line is – avoid malware. Do all of the things you know to do to keep your machine safe and malware-free and you will also keep your webcam secure.
