In a period of time, people realized the importance of computer security. The industry on security felt the demand dealing with the challenges when it comes to security threats, where technical people on this platform put more effort to educate computer users. These days, it is alarming that many people believe in several computer security myths. Here are few of the Malware myths and facts.
Computer Infection is Easy to Notice. Some malware gives apparent signs when a computer is infected,just like when your browsing result may seem odd or when something appears on the screen that will extort cash from you, hence most of the time, malware silent operators that sneak into your computer system without you knowing it.
The cyber-criminals created malware that depend on stealth. Creating undetectable malware is their primary goal. This program will work quietly on your computer, to be able to gather and record sensitive information. Controlling remotely to send unwanted emails, or command to attack the other website with the use of your computer.
Malware can only attack Windows. The belief that malware can only infect Windows Operating System will put you at risk. Although, the most common attacks are on Windows, the Mac® OS X® and Android™ is not excluded from malware attacks. If you know, in the past (1980s) Apple’s DOS 3.3 was attacked by a virus named “Elk Cloner”. From then on, Mac OS dealt with some type of malware attacks. In addition to this, Android (Google’s mobile computing platform) also experienced such malware attacks since it was launched.
Email Attachments are Safe if from the persons you know. Open email attachments came from the people you know may seem safe, but these days you should think twice before accessing them. It is a good idea to create a habit not to open email attachments from strangers , while blindly open attachments from the people you know. You need to take precaution on this because cyber-criminals usually write malware programs that can steal while residing on your PC (without you noticing it). Example, if one of your friend’s PC is infected, there is a possibility that you can get malicious emails that may seem originally from your friend.
Good Websites are Safe. Often you may have heard security experts warns everyone not to visit risky websites, this may come as the rule of thumb, however, it is also necessary for you to understand that there are reputable or legitimate websites that can be exposed to infections. Google’s transparency report, which they share the infected websites are increasing. The cyber-criminals digging on the weak spot of those legitimate websites, and use them to spread malware.
When a user visited the site, the malicious codes will be distributed quickly to the visitor’s PC. Often today, an advertisement has their delivery systems through hijacked browsers to spread malware.
Nothing important is saved in my PC, so Malware has no effect on me. The latest malware seldom searches information from your hard drive, it is interested in the address book from your email so it can send or spread spam by sending malicious emails using your contacts. If you use your computer in banking and has activity on social networks, the malware can fetch and record everything you type which make your privacy compromised. This may cause damage in a lot of levels, on financial and identity.
Antivirus Companies Created Malware. This theory is going on for a long time, hence there is no evidence to prove it. The real fact is, Antivirus companies battle criminals that use networks and computers to do harm. What might formulate such ideas is the cause of Rogue Antivirus software. Although, this is not a serious problem, there are some malware developers who create a false antivirus software that makes your computer tell that its infected (but actually it’s not). This result to extortion, so make sure that the company you contact when it comes of malware is legitimate.