Malware

Malware.

Malware, or malicious software, is software used to disrupt computer operation, gather files, and gain access to private computer systems. The first infectious program was made as an experiment or prank, but nowadays they are used to gather to steal personal, financial or business information for the benefit of others.

There are many ways malware makes it onto your computer:

• ·         Installing something that wasn’t from a trustworthy source. These can often be screensavers, toolbars or torrents that weren’t scanned for viruses.
• ·         Through emails, as they can be spread easily and quickly, and do not require the user to send the email, as the virus itself will scan for email addresses and send the email itself.
• ·         Some websites themselves can infect your computer just by going onto them.

There are many ways to prevent your computer from getting any malware:

• ·         Installing pop-up blocker as many pop-ups have malware on them.
• ·         Install a personal firewall.
• ·         Set up your browser to notify you when anything tries to download.
• ·         Don’t download software or programs from unknown sources.