Ask the Experts Q2: What is Spyware/Adware/Malware and how do I protect myself?
Lilydale Yarra Valley Leader
Ask the Expert Q2: What is Spyware/Adware/Malware and how do I protect myself?
A: Spyware and Adware are specific forms of Malware (Malicious Software) that use ambiguity, coercion and deceit to lure or force users to install unwanted and often invasive programs on their computer.
Malware can get on your system if you are tricked into clicking on something you thought would be a helpful program or it may be automatically installed with another piece of software or just by visiting a website, if you have a security weakness in your system.
Malware can be identified because it often causes changes to the behaviour, look, or feel of your system without permission. If you have strange windows pop up, your desktop or the home page of your browser has changed, or your system crashes for no apparent reason, you probably have some form of Malware on your computer.
To protect your computer, you need to keep your system up to date with patches, install Windows Defender and use the Firefox web browser instead of Internet Explorer. (see
http://www.techdoctor.com.au/software/)
If you are already infected, there are tools you can use (see link) or call The Tech Doctor 1300 TECH DR that’s 1300 832 437 – www.techdoctor.com.au
re-printed with permission from Leader Newspapers