Tag: virus

7 Warning signs of malware infection

As companies go to the Internet to conduct their business, their IT security becomes more vulnerable to many hackers and viruses. That’s why it’s even more important to recognize whether or not your systems are under threat from malicious software to swiftly fend off the infection. So how do you know if your company’s IT […]

New Android malware can wipe your phone

The smartphone. It may seem like the last safe haven from online security threats. As it rests snugly in your pocket, you may never even think a virus, trojan or other malware could ever touch it. And even if it did, how much damage could it really cause? Well, for Android users, we’ve got some […]

The different types of malware: explained

Ever been infected by malware or a virus? For most internet users, the answer is probably yes. But what is the difference between all the cyber threats out there? What makes a virus different from a trojan or worm? And how can you protect your critical data and your business from these threats? If you’ve […]

Oust the pesky virus from your Android device

There are things that all of us hold dear to our hearts: family, a stable career, and our smartphone and tablet. Okay, maybe those last two aren’t as important as the others. But still, your smartphone or tablet is likely an integral part of your life. And you’re probably using them to foster that stable […]

Suffer from PC slowness? Learn how to fix it

No one likes a slow PC. It makes you feel like you’re living back in the 1990s when waiting nearly a minute for a page to load was the norm. The technology problems of the ‘90s are gone for a good reason, and with them so should your computer slowness. But if you’re suddenly reliving […]

How to protect yourself against Poweliks

Think your security is taken care of with a frequent anti-virus scan? Think again. While we’ve all become used to the idea that viruses, worms and other malware – however much disruption and damage they cause to our systems – can be detected and removed thanks to the tracks they leave as they create havoc, […]

Three new ways malware infects systems

As a business owner or manager you likely have many different things on your mind at any given time. One issue that many owners fret over is whether their networks, computers and the data stored within are secure enough. The vast majority of businesses do utilize anti-virus scanners, however, there is still a chance their […]

Confused about computer viruses?

Worm or virus, what’s the difference?

Computer terminology can be one of the hardest things to wrap your head around. It’s can all seem like mumbo jumbo, with made-up or adopted words. Some of the more confusing terminology comes from programs and software with harmful intent. Is the program infecting your computer a Trojan horse, worm or malware though? It can […]

New MacDefender Virus puts the ‘Mac = No virus’ Myth to Rest

Security experts have recently discovered a new threat to Mac OS X systems. Called the ‘MacDefender’, this malware is designed to fool users into downloading a fake anti-virus program, which informs users that the system is ‘infected’, and then tries to dupe or bully them into buying another fake anti-virus program. It is a widely held belief that one of the reasons Macs are superior to other systems is because of their ‘invulnerability’ to viruses, malware, and similar threats. All well and good, except for the fact that a recent rogue anti-virus malware that specifically attack Mac OS X systems has been discovered. So much for the ‘Mac = no virus’ myth. Called the ‘MacDefender’ and also known as Mac Security and Mac Protector, this malware tricks users by having them think that their system is under attack. It begins when users visit a malicious website where the program automatically downloads itself to the computer. If you have the “Open safe files after downloading” option selected, it automatically installs itself onto the system. The original installation package is then also automatically deleted. Next, a new menu item appears on the Mac OS X menubar. You’ll see a small orange shield that becomes red, which supposedly means that there are viruses in your system. You’ll then be prompted to “register” – which involves giving out your credit card information – to a website to clean the virus. If you don’t, the malware will then direct your browser to porn sites to ‘encourage’ you to register and pay up. To know more about how MacDefender works, check out this video . While Macs are certainly targeted less than Windows systems, the threat of getting infected by viruses and malware is very real, especially if myths like Macs being impervious to viruses persist. To know more about protecting yourself from threats like these, please contact us so we can draw up a plan to keep your system safe and secure.