Viruses and Malware

A computer virus is a malware program that, when executed, replicates by inserting copies of itself into other programs, data files, or the boot sector of the hard drive. Viruses often perform some type of harmful activity on infected host, such as stealing drive space, cpu time, corrupting data, stealing your identity, spamming, etc.

There are many ways to protect yourself. First and foremost, install an anti-virus program. There are many free ones along with several paid ones. Next make sure that your Operating System and programs are all up to date

Another way is to watch where you go on the internet. Song download sites (non-paid), pornograpy sites, Opening spam email, downloading free games, visiting infected web site, file sharing networks, etc.

What can viruses do to my computer?   

1.) It can install a keytracer that watches your keystrokes and send the data back to the originators server where it will see sites you logged onto and the passwords. This is the most effeciate way of getting your passwords.

2.) It can encrypt your hard drive or files and the only way to get your data back if you did not back it up is to pay someone and HOPE they give you the unlock key.

3.) It can download and install programs on your computer to run specific events. This can slow your computer down and cause crashes (blue screen) and many other unwanted actions.

What if Microsoft calls and says that I have a virus and wants to log into my computer and help

THIS IS A SCAM... Microsoft does not call you and they would have no idea that you were infected. DO NOT allow access. You can run your virus scanner and malware software to verify. Your ISP will be able to see traffic on your network and may call to let you know that you have suspicious activity. Then you may call them or us to look at your system to remove the virus or malware.

My computer has slowed way down and I am afraid that I am infected

Disconnect your computer as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage that the virus may cause. Bring in your computer or laptop into us. Some viruses cannot be removed while on the active windows and we will remove the drive and scan externally to remove all threats. Then we will install latest anti-virus and malware software and scan again on your system

Some infections are so bad that a wipe and reload of the computer is your best action. If that is the case we will backup your data and scan it for infections, Wipe your computer drive and reload it to factory specs.