Columnists

Geek Speak… ScamWare Update

Issue 51.15

We reported a couple of months ago about new scamware threats to your computer. These seem to bypass normal anti-virus and anti-malware programs because, when they begin, they are more of a pop-up advertisement though they don’t look like one.

To review, this usually occurs after visiting a website that you don’t usually go to or opening an email, either of which may be infected with this program. They pop up a box on your screen, usually accompanied by flashing lights and annoying sounds. The box indicates your computer is infected with something or you have done something illegal and you have to either send money to a certain account or call a number to resolve the problem. If you call, they will ask to take control of your computer remotely to solve the problem. If you allow them to do this, they will actually damage your software so it will not work and then tell you the problem is serious and you need to give them money (usually about $300) to fix the problem. The box is supposed to (by Microsoft programming rules) have a red x that you can click to make it go away, but because these are criminals they hide it and it is almost impossible to find. If you give them money, they hang up on you without fixing your computer. Because they are not in the U.S. it is often very difficult to get your money back by disputing it with your credit card company.

If you are aware that this is a scam, you can often solve the problem by turning off your computer and then turning it back on. Putting it in sleep mode or even restarting may not work. If in doubt, unplug your computer and (if it is a laptop) remove the battery temporarily. Replace the battery in laptops, plug the computer back in and start it up again. If the problem returns, you will want to call your computer professional for service and I recommend that you unplug it until they can look at it. This is also a good time to remind you to make sure you have good anti-virus and anti-malware software up-to-date and running regularly on your computer. After reviewing this year’s computer magazine reports, we recommend Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Webroot Antivirus programs if you want commercial versions and AVG and Avast in the Free Antivirus division. AVG and Avast are also rated near the top in the commercial (ones you pay for) division.

I am still recommending that you add Malwarebytes anti-malware to your system because it so far seems to find some threats that the anti-virus programs are missing. The free version requires that you run it manually (we recommend about once a month) but the commercial version will run automatically if you set it up that way.

It is a sad reality that, in our modern world, there are people trying to scam you, take your money and damage your system. You need to protect yourself the best you can with solid information and with protection that is appropriate. Your data, pictures and programs are worth protecting, and remember – make sure you always have a backup of anything important.

Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.

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