Warning: You are infected!
You have 14 Trojans and 8 Rootkits!
Oh no! ...only $29.99 to unlock the removal tool and remove this malware.
Ok!
Phew, that was close!
- Hey Trish! - Yeah?
The bank is on the phone. Did you just buy a car in Italy?
Dag-nabbit!!!
Hello and welcome to DIY in 5!
My name is Trisha Hershberger and today we are talking all about malware.
What the heck is it?
Now, I studied Latin in school and let me just tell you that
anything that starts with “mal” is bad, but more on that later.
In today’s episode, we’ll go over some of the best tips for keeping your computer malware-free.
If you find this video useful, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any future tech tips.
So, what is malware anyway?
Malware is short for malicious software and its primary purpose is to cause harm to your
system in a whole variety of different ways.
You can think of it kind of like the flu, but for your phone or PC.
The symptoms will range quite a bit, but its overall job is to disable, damage or take
control of parts of your system.
Malware usually seeks to make money off you somehow -- it could be stealing your data,
spying on your activity or hijacking core computer functions.
It’s a real pain in the ass!
Some signs that you may be infected with malware include, but are certainly not limited to,
a suddenly slowed system, a bunch of annoying ads that were definitely not there before,
crashes or freezes or the terrifying blue screen of death on Windows, new toolbars or
plugins on homepage settings in your browser, or a completely borked anti-virus software.
Sometimes you might even be unlucky enough to get hit with ransomware which will tell
you to your face that it has your data and would like you to pay a ransom to return your files.
Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Botnets, Rootkits, Spyware, and crypto miners
are just some of the types of malware out there.
Sounds fun, right?
NOPE!
So what’s the proverbial flu shot?
How can you prevent malware attacks from happening?
Step One: Be vigilant!
You’ve probably heard not to open shady attachments in emails or download software
from third-party sites, and this is great advice.
Always download from a trusted site and pay attention to the permissions and extra add-on downloads.
Don’t click on questionable links -- anything with a funny ending other than .com, .biz,
etc., or from an unknown source, could be dangerous.
Make sure your software and operating system is patched and up to date as often as possible.
Step Two: Arm yourself with protective tools!
Firewalls, Anti-Virus software, and Anti-Malware software are a few examples of tools that
can help you remain malware free.
These programs usually help by either scanning and removing anything questionable
on your system, blocking infection in real time -- or both.
As an added bonus, you’ll want to find something easy to install that has a low impact on your device.
Something that slows you down in an effort to help speed you up is like that friend who
comes over to help you get work done and then convinces you to play video games instead.
Some popular options of protective software out there include Avast, Malwarebytes, AVG
and tons more.
Avast anti-virus and anti-malware has a pretty comprehensive suite of protection features
completely free and offers some bonus features like auto app updates, extra ransomware protection
and advanced firewall features for a monthly subscription.
Avast will both scan and remove malware as well as offer real-time protection
against attacks with low impact on your PC’s performance.
Another popular free software is Malwarebytes.
The free version will scan and clean an infected device
and the premium version for $39.99 a year does that plus real-time prevention.
It has features for Windows, Android, Mac, and Chromebook.
AVG Antivirus is another option that offers free basic services like stopping malware,
blocking malicious links and emails, and the ability to scan your PC.
The full version, for an unlimited number of devices, might I add, also includes
enhanced firewall, secure online banking and shopping and includes a special Antivirus Pro for Android.
Finally, if you don’t want to get third party software, both Mac OS and Windows have gotten hip to the punch
and now include more sophisticated security built right into the operating system.
MacOS Mojave will auto update, encrypt your data with FileVault 2,
prevent malware from changing critical system files and more.
Windows 10 also offers auto system updates, Windows Defender Antivirus built in
and real-time and ransomware protection.
Well that’s that!
What type of protective software are you running?
Or do you live life on the edge and fly without?
I always wanted a shirt that said “I’m so badass I eject without safely removing hardware”
but honestly, I follow all the rules.
Like 100% lawful alignment when it comes to tech.
Anywho, I hope your computer is in tip-top shape and if you have any questions not answered in
this video, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them.
My name’s Trisha Hershberger and you’ve been watching DIY in 5!