How Did I Get That Virus? Malvertising?

As a technology support company, we face the challenges of removing malware (viruses, spyware, trojans, etc.) every day.  While this can be a steady revenue stream, we would much prefer to see our clients spending their IT dollars on improving their business technology, not simply cleaning up messes.  Malware and Malvertising are not new, but lately seem to have gotten a boost in activity so we thought it would be helpful if we shared some information and tips on how to avoid getting "hacked". 

Malvertising uses your desire to see more about a product to get you to click through an ad on what looks to be a reputable web site.  Unfortunately, even reputable sites can get compromised and hackers can install their malware on the infected server.  Now when you click through the ad, you may be prompted to download an add-in or some other program in order to see the content you requested.  If you simply click "Yes", you have given the hacker permission to enter your computer, and potentially steal your personal information or send emails to the world on your behalf.

There are 3 key steps you should take to help avoid getting malware on your computer.  While following these is no guarantee that you will not ever get a virus, it will help to significantly reduce your chances of spending 3 days watching your computer guy rip out the guts of your operating system and charge you by the hour to do it. We have seen virus removal cost clients up to $3000 for a single incident if the data on the computer was vital enough to recover.

1. Make sure your computer operating system and browser are up to date.  This means that regular preventative maintenance and patches have been applied to close any known security holes.  These patches are released regularly and should be individually evalutated before application to ensure you are protected.
2. Install and maintian a current anti-virus program.  Make sure that you not only have one installed, but that it has the latest virus definitions to trap for the newest viruses being released.
3. Pay attention to what you are clicking on!  If you are asked to click through a link, load an add-in, download ANYTHING, take the time to undertstand what it is and make sure it is from a reputable source.  Regardless of how bad you want it, it is always better to back off if you are not sure of what you are installing.

In the event you find an infected site you should report it immediately to the proper authorities.  If your computer does get infected, you have several options. 

1. You can try to remove it yourself.  If you choose to do this, make sure that your virus removal tools come from a reputable source.  Hackers also create malware that looks like a virus removal tool in an effort to get you to install it on your computer.
2. If your computer came with a restore disk and your data is backed up, you can reload the system and start from scratch.  Make sure if you do this, you have a current backup of all of the data files you created as well as software installation disks for anything that is not contained on the restore disk.
3. Call a professional.  While this is not what we prefer to spend our time doing, this is what companies like ForeSite do for our clients when it is necessary. We can help save your data and other valuable applications on your computer if the virus hasn't gotten too deep into the system.