What is Malware
Malware is a serious issue, so much so that Google recently started a blog devoted to malware and other security issues (see June 2007 SiteBeat here for information about the Google Online Security Blog). Sites on unsecure servers are most at risk, and MightyMerchant’s servers are very secure, but safe surfing and downloading practices can keep the malware problem in check.
The word “malware” is a shortened form of “malicious software” and is a general term meaning software or program code designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s consent. A computer virus is one type of malware, which can also include worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, or any other type of software with a malicious intent. Profit is the greatest motive behind malware, much of it is designed to take remote control of the affected computer and use it for some nefarious purpose.
Spyware is a new form of malware that is intended to monitor users’ web browsing. It uses this information to display unsolicited advertisements or redirect unwitting users to the site of the spyware creator. These are not the same as viruses in that they do not spread from computer to computer, but are installed by the program being able to exploit weaknesses in the computer’s security. Spyware is often bundled as third-party software with free software that is knowingly downloaded. Malware can copy a user’s keystrokes to steal passwords or credit card information, which is then transferred to the malware creator.
How to Prevent Malware
Most malware can be prevented by using a virus scanner any time you download something. Also, use care when opening email attachments that have executable files in them if you are not absolutely sure the source is trustworthy. Ad Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com) is a detection program specifically for spyware. Your operating system is one factor. Microsoft platforms are more vulnerable to malware than is Macintosh.
Keep your computer’s software up to date. Download any patches only from the legitimate websites of the company. Only download from reputable sources, and use caution: LimeWire, a popular file sharing program, recently informed its users that trojan viruses were installed on computers after users downloaded files that LimeWire claimed were updates.
If You’re Affected
If you find that your site is affected by malware, either because you’ve lost control of your computer, you are inundated with pop-up ads, or you have lost data, GoogleWebmaster Tools now has a malware review form. Google refers those concerned about malware to this website, http://www.stopbadware.org/home/security, which has a lot of helpful information about preventing, spotting and removing malware. In the case of malware, prevention is a whole lot easier than cure.
Posted on August 15th, 2007 by Vanessa
Filed under: Security
Thank you. Useful information. I have downloaded and am running Adaware right now. TY MM!