As technology becomes more prevalent, the viruses or, rather, the predators that create them, increase as well.
According to McAfee,
a protection provider, malware is multiplying faster than ever. In the
last quarter alone, there were “1.5 million more attacks than
previously. With new technology, comes changes in the threats — botnets
and ransomware are just some of the new things to watch out for.”
Computers using Windows operating systems are still hit the hardest
but more viruses are now targeting Macs and the Android system that
powers a large portion of Smartphones, two of the emerging computer
foundations.
Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Labs, says the
attacks permeate every level of computer use, from home computers to
business and government machines, as well as the previously unheard-of
mobile market.
“Flashback,” a Trojan horse virus that started in 2011, infected more
than half a million Macs all over the world. Being used to immunity
from malware, many Mac users were unprepared for the virus, which posed
as a Flash plug-in and stole usernames and passwords from thousands of
computers and websites. While iOS has remained relatively safe from
threats, new problems are popping up every day.
Google continues to try to keep good security on their Android
operating system, but criminals are targeting the OS, especially as it
becomes popular with less-computer-savvy and more susceptible users.
McAfee’s report indicates it is the most popular mobile operating system
being targeted currently.
One big trend emerging in the malware industry is “ransomware.” It
erases personal data and can hold it hostage until the owner pays money
via the Internet to set it free. This is only one of the many programs
that is becoming more popular among cyber criminals. What should you do?
Install Microsoft Security Essentials for PCS: One program professionals and other computer repair companies recommend is the anti-virus program for the basic user — Microsoft Security Essentials.
It’s free, easy to use, updated frequently and provides great
protection from most Internet-born parasites. The fact that it’s made by
Microsoft, the company that makes Windows, is a great benefit. Who is
better equipped to know which Windows vulnerabilities hackers are
targeting? Programmers can then integrate the fix seamlessly into
Windows.
Avast! For MACS: If you just can’t get past the idea
of trusting Microsoft to protect your Windows PC, or if you are running
an alternate operating system, consider Avast!
free antivirus. Avast is one of the highest-rated antivirus programs,
according to AV Comparatives, an independent antivirus program reviewer.
Avast offers both a free and a paid version, and boasts one of the
fastest virus scans on the market. Avast! also uses fewer system
resources when scanning, so you can continue to use your computer
normally while the scan runs in the background. Anyone who has been held
hostage by a seemingly endless scan that makes everything else on your
system slow to a useless crawl can appreciate this benefit. Fun side
note: You can select different voices to proclaim, “Ding! Avast’s virus
definitions have been updated.” I am quite partial to Pirate.
Lookout Mobile for Smartphones: For the best mobile security app, check out Lookout Mobile Security,
a free anti-virus and back-up solution that has received a five-star
rating from CNET and PC World. It will even help you track down a lost
mobile phone by showing its location on Google Maps. The premium version
(available for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year) adds the ability to
back up photos and call history and perform a remote wipe if your phone
is stolen.
