Malware 2011
Defending And Recovering From Malware Threats
Few things strike more dread into the hearts of internet users than the word “malware”. Experienced users are lamenting the amount of time they will have to take to repair it while new users are wondering why their computer is not functioning correctly. The ease of access to the internet created an environment where more and more inexperienced users are able to log on. The important thing to remember about the internet is that it shares many similarities to any locale with humans. There are simply some places that are not safe to be. Arming yourself with knowledge will help minimize the damage of malware and stay safe while browsing the internet.
A study by McAfee for the first quarter of 2011 revealed, at minimum, six million unique examples of malware code. The year is already the most active for malware in history. A new threat is rapidly emerging to target mobile devices that function in much the same way as computer-oriented threats.
First, why let’s take a look at one of the largest infections of 2010 and 2011.
Google Redirect Virus – also known as Tidserv, TDSS, Alureon
The Google Redirect Virus is a nasty bit of programming that is a very serious threat to a computer system. It does not function like a normal virus by leaving behind a trace of itself to execute or propagate. An antivirus program is built to look for sections of code identified with different types of malware to locate and isolate threats. The Google Redirect Virus does not leave these traces behind to find, so traditional programs have a very difficult time identifying it.
The biggest indicator that you have contracted this virus is your search engine inquiries point you at different results after clicking on a link. A search engine does not directly connect the user from a search result link to that website. Instead, it is redirected through a page on the search engine’s domain that gathers statistics for analysis purposes. From that point, it is redirected to your search result. The Google Redirect Virus hijacks that process to instead send the user to the destination it chooses. Entering the URL manually into the address bar should take you to the correct destination.
There are many instances of malware that will not do significant damage to your system. The Google Redirect Virus is NOT one of them. It needs to be removed in a timely fashion. The websites it redirects your system to can contain vicious malware and identity theft functionality.
Removing the threat requires specialized software that many have taken a shot at developing. After searching for a “Google Redirect Virus Removal Tool”, manually enter the URL into the address bar to visit the page by cut and pasting it. Remember, clicking the links provided by search engines while infected will only expose you to further risk. A good removal tool will have a guide to operating it effectively to quash the threat. But well… the good thing is that you have already arrived at a website that offers the best Google redirect virus removal tools. We offer review of the best Google redirect virus removal tools. And in case you decide that you want to get rid of Google redirect virus as soon as possible, we recommend downloading the BEST Google redirect virus removal toll right away at: Fix Redirect Virus -You can read our full review at Fix Redirect Virus Review.
How Do You Stay Safe While Enjoying The Internet?
An understanding must be reached by newer users of the internet that they must develop an eye for identifying threats. Does that mean you will spot all of them and totally avoid problems? No. You will have software protections that can serve as a safety net. Relying solely on them will leave you at risk for more advanced malware that is developed. The prevention software is engineered in response to threats found. It does not usually help against a brand new threat until it is identified and broken down by security companies.
The most common way to compromise the security of a system is to trick the user into accepting the malware. Popular scams include; asking you to visit a website to provide information for a “prize”, popping up a fake window that mimics a scan screen and asking you to download software to fix it, and good old fashioned phishing through spam email.
Your first line of cyber-defense is your mind. When presented with an out of the ordinary circumstance on the internet, take a minute to assess the situation. Did you ask for the solicitation that has been sent to you in the email? Did you ask for and start the scan that is telling you that your computer is infected? Do you really believe that anyone is giving away free anything through a spam email? Chances are equally good that you are not in contention to win the Botswana International Lottery, so there is no reason to visit their malware-laden website.
Remember; if you did not initiate it, it is probably a threat.
How Do I Get My System Back To The Proper Condition?
Even professionals sometimes fall victim to attempts to infect their PC. We are all human, we all make mistakes. Thus it is important to know that there are ways to help get your computer back in working order. There are many skilled individuals out there working diligently to combat these threats by providing updates, software fixes, and other removal tools.
Antivirus protection is a must if you are going to use the internet. Understand this, under no circumstances do you want to run two antivirus programs on the same computer. They can detect each other’s definition libraries (how it identifies threats) and end up isolating them. In turn, this leaves your PC even less protected than if you had only one. The user that wants to change antivirus protection needs to uninstall the old one before installing a new one.
Malware programs function differently in that regard. There are quite a few that are designed to find and eradicate those threats on your system. If you do not have success with one, it is worthwhile to try another. They are coded differently by their respective developers which allows for differences in efficiency.
Finally, as mentioned previously, malware removal tools are an efficient way to correct those kinds of problems. After you identify what the threat is, you can visit a security site or locate a removal tool online. You will be best off using a tool that provides detailed directions on how to use it. Some of these tools are automated and do not require a lot of user intervention. They are as diverse in approach as the coders that created them.
Do not let malware ruin your experience online or threaten your security. Tackle any problems head on. There are many solutions out there to be had to help get your PC back to a safe and working condition. Surf smart and stay safe.
