While the internet makes it easy to access information, it also makes you vulnerable to cyber threats like malware. A computer repair technician can fix many of these issues, but without proper security measures in place, you can still fall victim to the initial cyberattack. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. 

What Is Malware?

Malware is essentially malicious software. Created with a destructive goal in mind, it can slow down your computing device, steal information, and take full control of it. Several types, like the ones below, have cropped up over time, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for fighting them.

• Virus: Similar to their biological namesake, viruses continuously infect files until they damage a computer’s functionality via deleted and corrupted data. 

• Trojan: Short for Trojan horse, this malware hides in a tampered program, disguised as a legitimate one. Like its namesake, it creates a backdoor to let hackers in and control your computer.

• Worm: While similar to a virus, a worm automatically replicates using security loopholes, which make them even more dangerous.

• Spyware: This type runs in the background and keeps tabs on your every activity, gathering enough sensitive information to gain access to your bank and credit card accounts.

• Ransomware: Once inside, ransomware encrypts your files and holds it hostage until you pay for its decryption.

• Adware: Less malicious than others, adware gets you to click on ads and slows down a computer’s operations because it hogs resources while running.

• Scareware: The same as its adware counterpart, scareware pops up ads that trick you into buying software you don’t need.

How to Safeguard Your Computer from Malware

Taking your device for computer repairs should be your last resort, so here are a few prevention tips to keep in mind.

• Install & Update: Your first line of defense against attacks should be installing the right anti-malware software and running it frequently. Ensure that yours is up-to-date to keep your device protected from newer iterations of malware.

• Think Before You Click: Carefully tread whenever you’re online, including being wary of emails and pop-ups from anything unsecured or unknown. Be vigilant when it comes to disclosing personal or sensitive information via the internet.

• Scan & Verify: Before running a plugged media or downloaded software program, scan it with your anti-malware software first to filter out suspicious files.

• Avoid Open Wi-Fi: Whenever possible, surf the internet using a secure connection instead of publicly available, unencrypted Wi-Fi, as hackers may try to access your information. 

If you detect malware, take your device to the computer repair specialists at Experimax King of Prussia. Located in Montgomery County, PA, their Philadelphia-based in-house technicians provide exceptional services for brand-new and used Apple® products, including computer upgrades. Call (610) 265-3174 or book an appointment for computer repairs online.