Did you know, there are thousands of ways through which viruses can attack your laptops and computers? A virus attack is one of the most dangerous digital accidents that can spin your business around. Though not all viruses can cause severe damages, you should always be careful about them. A virus can take away all your personal and legal information in one go. It can also hamper your software and make changes in your systems. Thus, it is essential for you to know the ways through which a virus can enter your computer.
Today we’re listing five common ways through which a virus can attack your computers and how you can protect yourself.
1. Opening attachments or links from unknown or spoofed emails.
This is one of the most common ways through which a virus or ransomware can attack your PC. Such emails are spoofed to look legitimate and contain an attachment or link that may infect your device as soon as it is clicked on. These days, such spoofed emails are making so much advancement that even a well trained professional can make mistakes if they are not careful enough!
2. Downloading software from malicious sites.
Which software did you install recently? Was it downloaded from a trusted website?
One common misconception is that viruses only come through inappropriate or explicit websites. Viruses can be present everywhere on the Internet. Even when you download some software from a ‘good-looking’ source, there is still a probability that a virus attack can happen.
3. Clicking on malicious online ads.
‘Malvertising’ which is also known as Malicious Online Advertising is just another way your computer can receive a virus without visible evidence. Cybercriminals most of the times place clean ads on trusted websites and leave them till they gain a certain amount of credibility. Then they insert a malicious code in the ad that will infect your computer when clicked on.
4. Downloading harmful tools for using or clicking on bad links on social media.
People tend to be more relaxed when it comes to clicking on links that are published on social media sites and the links that are shared by their contacts.
For example, recently, there was a virus spreading on Facebook which attacked thousands of people’s devices. This particular virus had spread through a video that required special software (plug-in), so the user could watch it. The virus captured and recorded passwords that were used to log into the user’s computer.
5. Using unpatched software.
One way you can put your computer at risk of a virus attack is through unpatched software. Security holes unknown to software maker or antivirus vendors are also known as Zero-Day vulnerabilities. Problems that root from security holes affect software companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google too.
In March 2013, Oracle had released emergency patches to Java, which is a popular plug-in used to view content on browsers and applications. This was because of its vulnerability that allowed hackers to exploit computers easily.
As you can see, it is essential for you to get a complete protection against viruses because they can attack your computers easily. And when it comes to security, always trust only the professionals.
We at SPARK Services are the best web services company in Muskogee, so get in touch with us today for computer security solutions that are affordable and effective.