If you want to know how to stop malware, this article can help you! Has your computer been acting weird lately? Don’t be mad, download! Know that frequent error messages, slow operating speeds, excessive pop-ups, mass spam emails, phishing attempts, false alerts, data loss, and other strange behavior are sure signs of malware infections. .

Malware is a mixture of two words: malicious and software. It is software specifically designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without your knowledge or consent. It is commonly known as a computer virus because it contaminates your computer with programs that come in many different forms, such as rogue adware, Trojan horses, spyware, worms, viruses, and crimeware.

Not just annoying anymore, malware is the most common route for criminals to reach you directly over the Internet. According to research by F-Secure, a world leader in providing Internet security, the chances are high that you will be a victim of identity theft this year, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the United States.

Now that we know what’s out there, we don’t have to put up with it anymore! Here are some self-defense tips so you’re not left at the mercy of all those dirty tricks and the fear and frustration they cause us.

Prepare a Plan: Think about how and how you use the internet. How many computers do you use? Does every computer have malware protection? Did you know that sometimes it is necessary to install and use more than one product?

Arm yourself: Make sure you have up-to-date Internet security software installed on your computer. You can buy security software for your computer, but there are also great free virus protection and malware removal programs available online.

Resist the temptation: Don’t be fooled by pop-up ads that promise free money or products! Do not click on any pop-up ads that tell you that your computer is infected. Do not click on links in emails. Remove attachments from unknown senders. Be skeptical and don’t download free screen savers, books and programs; they usually come with strings attached.

Strike Back: If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, immediately stop all online shopping, banking, and other activities that involve usernames, passwords, and other sensitive personal information, and run a full scan on your computer. Turn off your wireless adapter when you are not using it. Back up important files and encrypt personal information. Choose passwords easy enough to remember that other people cannot easily crack. Change your passwords frequently.

Turn the screw – block pop-ups. Install a firewall. Keep your operating system up to date. Scan your computer daily. Create a “disposable” email to use for registrations, forums, and purchases. When you sign up for a website, look for the privacy policy section so you can block spam emails.

Use common sense: Even with all these great protection programs installed on your computer, it’s still possible that you’ll be attacked by new forms of malware. Some malicious programs can even penetrate deep into your computer system and run silently and invisibly. Don’t be lazy, set aside time to reformat and reinstall your system every time you get a malware infection.

That will teach you: The final irony of this whole situation is that Internet security experts will always be at war with malware. Greedy cybercriminals are constantly one step ahead, inventing new clever methods to steal your personal data. Stop the new wave of cybercriminals from taking over the internet and don’t make it easy for them!