10/10/2012
How do viruses get on my computer?
This is a question almost all of us have asked at least once.
There are literally dozens of different ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Here is a list of the most common ways a computer becomes infected
Inserting random devices into the USB slots of your computer.
This has become one of the fastest means of infecting your computer. Inserting just any device(USB drives, Phones, Hard drives etc) into your computer is not advisable unless you trust the device
Accepting without reading
By far one of the most common ways a computer becomes infected is the user accepts what he or she sees on the screen without reading the prompt or understand what it's asking.
Some common examples:
While browsing the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window appears that says your computer is infected or that a unique plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you're getting, you accept the prompt.
When installing or updating a program, you're prompted (often checkboxes already checked) if it's ok to install additional programs that you may not want or are designed to monitor your usage of the program.
Opening e-mail attachments
Another very common way people become infected with viruses and other spyware is by opening e-mail attachments, even when from a co-worker, friend, or family member. E-mail addresses can be faked and even when not faked your acquaintance may unsuspectingly be forwarding you an infected file.
When receiving an e-mail with an attachment, if the e-mail was not expected or from someone you don't know delete it. If the e-mail is from someone you know, be cautious when opening the attachment.
Pirated software, music, or movies
Pirated content(Music, Movies, Software, Games) on the internet may come with viruses attached to them.
No antivirus spyware scanner
If you're running a computer with Microsoft Windows it's highly recommended you have some form of antivirus and spyware protection on that computer to help clean it from any infections currently on the computer and to help prevent any future infections.
Finally, downloading any other software from the Internet can also contain viruses and other malware. When downloading any software (programs, utilities, games, updates, demos, etc.), make sure you're downloading the software from a reliable source and while installing it you're reading all prompts about what the program is putting on your computer.
