Semalt: How To Stay Away From Malware

Malware is a coined word from the words malicious malware. There are no restrictions as to what constitutes malware. Therefore, malware, in its simplest form, refers to anything that gains illegal entry into a person's computer. Make no mistake, the intent of the software gaining illegal entry into your network can vary. However, it has no legitimate purpose in your particular computer which is why it categorizes as malware

The Customer Success Manager of Semalt, Ivan Konovalov, knows what to do to avoid malware intrusion.

The earlier types of malware were an effort by their developers to showcase their skills and served to annoy its targets. Sometimes they could send them as jokes. The later versions are one to watch out for as they became more dangerous and could damage data by either deleting or corrupting it and the associated software. In the contemporary web, most of the malware programs in the market are for money-making purposes.

Malware Types

Technically, malware is a generic term and can refer to several types of threats. They may include the following:

1. They could take the form of viruses which target executable files. When the user installs the software, the virus then spreads to other critical files in the system. The virus can only infect the computer through an action by the user such as opening an email attachment.

2. Worms are a form of malware which spreads through computer networks. They have a close similarity to viruses. They have a much greater chance of spreading due to the immense possibilities brought about by the internet as a series of interconnected networks.

3. Trojan horses are the hacker's arsenal which they use to conceal malware to avoid detection by anti-malware. They take the form of legitimate software which causes harm when downloaded and installed.

4. Rootkits modify the operating system to help conceal and hide other malware. They are not harmful themselves but are the source of problems as they inhibit detection of other malware.

5. Backdoors appear when attackers compromise the security of a system. They support complete shutting out of the user and promote remote access by hackers which makes it easier for them to install other malware.

6. Spyware is another type of malware which gathers information about user activity with the intention of stealing personal information.

7. The final type of malware is the adware which displays itself as a popup offering free programs. In most cases, they are a way to which companies can cut costs to recover development costs.

Avoiding Malware

The golden rule of avoiding malware is to keep clear of opening or installing software or anything whose source is undetermined or unverified. If one ends up on a website they are not familiar with, they should make sure not to download anything from it. The only places to get your software and other media are the reputable sites or those that one is familiar with to reduce the risk of infection. If the software does not have a digital signature, then there is always the option of researching it on the web and see what other people have to say about it. Any reports that show up, complaints, or things that seem odd about the site should be a signal to leave it alone. An added advantage is to have an internet