Malware can cause various problems, including data loss and identity theft. Prevention is key, such as avoiding risky online behavior and only downloading software from reputable sources. Malware protection includes antivirus, anti-adware/anti-spyware, keylogger detection, and rootkit detection software. Suites or standalone programs can be used, and a firewall is also important. Scanning and cleaning the system is necessary, and leaving malware protection programs running in the background can reduce the risk of future infections.
Malware is malicious software that can infect a computer or network causing problems ranging from slow restarts to data loss and identity theft. In some cases, the only way to rid a computer of certain types of malware is to erase the drive, reformat it, and reload the operating system and programs. The best remedy is prevention, so let’s look at the different types of malware protection.
The first rule of thumb in malware protection is to avoid engaging in risky online behavior that virtually invites trouble. Delete mail that arrives from unknown sources without opening it, and do not open or forward “chain emails,” even if it comes from a friend. These are emails or attachments that circulate on the Internet and could be funny, animated clips or little games. They may look benign but often host a Trojan horse, virus or worm. By viewing the object you can infect your computer without realizing it.
If you’re using an email client rather than a web-based email service, don’t enable HTML in the client. HTML-enabled mail opens up your system to a variety of threats that can’t reach you through a text-based interface.
Equally important, only download software that has been reviewed or recommended by reputable sources and is hosted on a reputable website. According to a 2008 statement by a Symantec® spokesperson, the amount of software available online that carries malware rivals and may even surpass legitimate software.
Assuming your behaviors aren’t inviting infection, what types of software can you use to provide malware protection? Let’s take a quick look at the different types of programs available.
Antivirus software looks for signatures of known viruses, trojans, backdoors, scripts, bots, and worms. If it finds malware, it can delete it in most cases. A good antivirus program will update its database several times a day to stay current on known threats out there. These programs also incorporate heuristic algorithms or the ability to detect unknown viruses based on their behaviors. Like any other software, some antivirus programs do their job better than others. Look for independent lab results to find a good program. Install and use only one antivirus program at a time.
Anti-adware and anti-spyware software usually come bundled as one package. These programs detect adware, spyware and their telltale signs, such as increased pop-up advertising and browser hijacking. The latter occurs when you try to visit one show but are redirected to another, often a pornographic site or a site that pushes you to sell. Adware and spyware can record your browsing habits, interfere with your browsing, use up system resources and slow your computer to a crawl. Spyware and adware protection is a critical part of any malware protection plan.
Keyloggers are small programs that record keystrokes in a log for later review by a third party. Network administrators use keyloggers for legitimate purposes, but they are also used in the wild to steal passwords, bank account numbers, and other sensitive information from infected computers. Keyloggers are surreptitiously passed to remote machines using any internet connection, then the logs are retrieved regularly the same way. Keyloggers pose a real threat because they bypass encrypted technologies by logging information before encryption can take place. The best anti-spyware programs incorporate keylogger detection, reducing the risk of identity theft.
Rootkits are perhaps the worst type of infection due to their “mercurial” nature. There are different types of rootkits but in essence they are small routines that are written in the basic functions (or root) of the operating system. From here they perform all kinds of tasks, from installing keyloggers to opening backdoors for spybots. Like a lizard losing its tail, if you can detect and remove a rootkit, there may be hidden routines left in the system that will simply rebuild or “grow a new tail”. While there are rootkit detectors, should you find a rootkit, the only way to ensure that the rootkit and all of its peripheral infections are gone is to wipe the system, reformat the drive, and rebuild.
Software designed for malware protection can come in suites or as standalone programs. A suite should include several programs or a single multi-layered program that includes all forms of malware protection. Standalone programs focus on one of the above areas and might incorporate one or two types of bypass protection.
If you are new to using malware protection, your first job after installing the software will be to scan and clean your system. Once done, leave malware protection programs running in the background to reduce the risk of future infections. A firewall is also a key part of protecting your system. While it does not detect malware, it can prevent hackers from infiltrating your computer or network.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
