Malware Removal is one of the most requested services at Get Computer Repair. As each day passes, more and more malware is created and, sometimes, having the best antivirus software installed on your computer still isn’t enough to catch everything. Whether you need a virus remover for your already infected computer or you simply want to setup security for your computer, our computer geeks can help you out!
Malware Removal Brisbane
If you are a computer user, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to protect your computer from malicious software or malware.
Computer virus, spyware, adware, ransomware… you’ve probably encountered these terms at least once in your life. All these terms are covered by one generic term: malware.
Malware
is simply short for malicious software. Basically, it is any software that has malicious intent for your computer.
There are many different types of malware, such as:
- Adware
- Browser Hijackers
- Keystroke Loggers / Keyloggers
- Ransomware
- Rootkits
- Spyware
- Trojan Horses
- Viruses and
- Worms
Many computer users fall into the notion that because they have an antivirus installed on their computer, they no longer have to be cautious about malware. This is not a good way to think if you want to keep your computer safe.
Computer viruses, ransomware, spyware, and all other malware, are continuously growing and evolving. Each day, new malware gets developed. If your computer can be fully protected by your antivirus today, that might no longer be the case tomorrow.
That said, your system can be infected by a virus, keystroke logger, or some other nefarious identity, even though your computer has an antivirus program installed.
Here are the signs and symptoms that your computer has been infected by a malware:
- Advertising popups
- Antivirus programs regularly reporting issues
- Being asked to pay money to access your computer
- Bounced back emails
- Changed browser homepage
- Corrupted files
- Emails being sent from your email account without your knowledge
- Excessive internet cap usage
- Frequent crashes
- General sluggishness
- Getting redirected to the wrong websites
- High Internet traffic on your computer
- Malfunctioning programs
- Missing files
- New icons on desktop or task bar
- Pop-ups showing up even when you’re not browsing the Internet
- Program failure
- Programs asking for credit card information
- Random error messages when performing operations that previously worked fine
- Slow Internet connection
- Slower performance than usual
- Spam
- Strange mouse behavior
- Sudden increase of pop-ups
- System giving an “RPC error”
- Unavailable system functions
- Unexplained shutdowns
- Unidentifiable icons on desktop or task bar
- Wrong websites loading
Malware Removal Brisbane – Most Common Malware
Adware
What It Is
Adware is a type of malware known for bombarding you with never-ending ads and pop-up windows. These unwanted ads are often harmless but some of them are used to spy on you by gathering personal information, tracking the websites you visit, or recording your keystrokes.
Causes
Adware is usually built into free software but they can also get installed through a security hole.
Symptoms
Your computer might have an adware if you suddenly start seeing ads in places you’ve never seem them before. If you usually only see ads in certain websites and now you’re seeing them even when you’re not actually on the Internet, you probably contracted adware. A changed browser homepage is also a common sign that you have adware.
Prevention
To prevent the existence of adware on your computer, make sure that all your programs and your operating system are always updated to the latest version.
Always make sure that your firewall is activated when you’re using the Internet.
If you think that your computer has already been infected by adware, you can use an antivirus that has a built-in adware cleaner. For better measure, hire our services! We will send a computer technician to you who can make sure that all traces of malware are removed.
Ransomware
What It Is
Ransomware is one of the more advanced and dangerous types of malware.
It is notorious for preventing the user from being able to access their computer and demanding a fixed amount of cash for the restriction to be removed.
Some ransomware will even set a deadline for the payment. Failure to send the payment results in the deletion of all your data.
Causes
Ransomware can enter your computer either through an infected email attachment that you downloaded or through your browser if you happen to visit a malicious website.
Ransomware can also access your computer through the network you are connected to. That said, it’s very important to keep your network secure. Get Computer Repair also offers network security services!
Symptoms
If you aren’t able to access your data and you’re being asked for money, that’s ransomware for sure.
Prevention
To prevent this dangerous type of malware from getting into your computer, it is necessary to keep all of your software up to date. Make sure that your operating system, your browsers, as well as any extensions and plug-ins you use.
Your computer’s firewall plays a huge role in protecting your computer so always make sure that it’s activated.
If your data is already being held for ransom, it’s time for you to call the experts! Get Computer Repair is skilled when it comes to saving computers from malware. Just ring us up and we will send a computer technician your way.
Spyware
What It Is
This malware’s name is already a perfect description of what this type of malware does.
Unlike the other types of malware, spyware can be pretty hard to detect. Hackers use spyware to spy on your personal information and other sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, and the like.
Spyware usually uses the Internet to pass the information it collects from you to a third party.
Browser hijackers and keyloggers are both a type of spyware.
Causes
Spyware often comes bundled with other software so it’s important to make sure that the software you download comes from a verified source.
If you download files from file-sharing sites, you might be putting your computer at risk of getting spyware.
Your computer can also get infected by spyware when you download an infected email attachment.
Symptoms
If new or unidentifiable icons are suddenly appearing on your computer, your computer might be infected by spyware. A spyware infection can also cause your computer to malfunction so it’s possible that you might be seeing random error messages when performing operations that were previously functioning well. If your browser is displaying a different homepage or you’re being redirected to a different search engine, you might want to run a spyware scanner on your computer.
Prevention
The first step to take in protecting your computer from spyware is making sure that you have an antivirus and antispyware software installed.
You should also make sure that your operating system, along with all your software, is always up to date.
Malware infection is often caused by lack of cautiousness when browsing the Internet. Keep yourself protected by increasing your browser’s security and privacy level. Take extra precaution if you frequent file-sharing sites and do not click on any pop-up ads.
If your computer has already been infected, hire our services! Get Computer Repair offers spyware removal among other malware removal services.
Virus
What It Is
People often assume that a computer virus is the same thing as a malware. A computer virus is just one type of malware. Not all malware is considered a virus.
A computer virus is a program that infects your computer without your knowledge.
Although some viruses are more annoying than harmful, most viruses are created with the intention to destroy or gain control of vulnerable computers and networks.
A virus can easily spread through computers and networks by replicating itself, similar to what a biological virus does.
Causes
Viruses are usually hidden in seemingly harmless commonly used programs such as PDF viewers or video games.
Another common way to contract viruses is through downloading infected files from an email or from unsecured sites.
Viruses actually need human interaction in able to be activated but all it takes is one click and the virus will be able to run on your computer automatically.
Symptoms
A slow Internet connection typically indicates that your computer has been infected by a virus.
If your computer is acting weird or executing operations that you have no idea about, it is very probable that a virus is behind it.
Prevention
The best way to keep your computer safe from a virus is to make sure that everything that is installed or downloaded on your computer is from a reliable source.
Avoid opening any attachments from unknown senders whether it is via email or other messaging platforms.
Sometimes, even though you take the utmost precaution, viruses still manage to get into your system. You can prevent the viruses from doing any damage by regularly scanning your computer using a virus scanner. Make sure to get rid of all the detected viruses and possibly harmful files.
Knowing the differences between each type of malware and how to prevent each one of them goes a long way when it comes to protecting your computer. However, there are still cases when a malware still manages to infect your computer despite your best efforts. This is where our computer services come in. Get Computer Repairs has both the skill and experience that will allow us to provide you with nothing but the best malware removal services.
For malware removal, computer virus removal, and other computer repairs and services, just give us a call and we will be right at your service! We are ready to remove from PC, laptops, and Mac.