Issue 5.14
Some types of threats to your computer are not actually viruses, but can still cause a lot of problems. One type that has been around for a while, but has developed recently in new and dangerous ways is what is known as Hijacker software or Malware. This type of program would change your search engine to one you don’t recognize or redirect you to websites you didn’t ask for. They were annoying but not damaging. Now these type of programs have become much more aggressive, locking out your preferred searches, adding massive numbers of pop-ups, changing your home page (often to porn or other unwanted sites) and eventually blocking your ability to use the internet in any way.
Since using the internet is a priority and one of the main reasons most people have a computer, this is serious business. These programs are increasingly difficult to get rid of as well. Many anti-virus programs don’t block or remove them because they are not technically a virus. In the past I have usually recommended removing anti-malware programs that are separate from your anti-virus (as long as you have a good anti-virus) because they can conflict and slow down your system. Because of the prevalence of these however, I have had to change my recommendations. If you suspect you have been attacked by one of these programs, I recommend trying Malwarebytes software to see if it will help remove the problem. If it does not, you may still need to get help from a service tech.
Other problems that are continuing to cause trouble are scam-ware and telephone computer repair scams. I have written about them in the past, but to review – never give someone you don’t know access to your computer over the internet. They can be extremely persistent. They want your money and your credit card info. If you give them access, they will disable your computer and ask for hundreds of dollars to restore it to operation. Once they have your card and money, they disappear and because they are based in foreign countries, there is little recourse to get your money back plus it is scary having people like that knowing your credit card info. The phone call scam usually consists of them telling you they are from Microsoft or some other computer company and they have detected a problem on your system and want to help you fix it. I can promise you that Microsoft (or any other company) does NOT know if your computer has problems and further – they don’t care enough to call you about it. Just hang up.
Scamware is a little more troubling because it is a virus. It locks up your computer and puts up a screen accusing you of anything from piracy to distributing pornography and threatens that the government agency (FBI, Homeland Security, Department of Justice, etc.) has locked your system until you pay them a fine with the convenient on-screen link. These are also based in foreign countries and have nothing to do with our government. If you give them money, it is pretty much gone and your computer will still be locked. My advice is to shut the computer down and call an expert. It’s not easy, but we can help resolve these problems, usually without you losing your data, pictures etc.
Protect yourself, just say NO to scammers, and understand that these kinds of threats make it more critical than ever to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or his website www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.