Tag: malware

  • How to find out if your Mac is infected with malware

    How to find out if your Mac is infected with malware

    One of the favorite Mac vs. PC myths is “PCs are slow, they always crash, and get viruses!” The corollary to that would be “Macs never get viruses.” That’s getting harder to say with a straight face. In April, research firm Sophos released a study that found one in five Macs was infected with malware.…

  • Don’t Get Caught Off Guard By Web Pages Imitating Antivirus Software

    Malware, which is any type of harmful software, uses many different methods to trick users into installing it.  A recent trend is to imitate legitimate antivirus software so you inadvertently install the malicious program. Malware creators utilize scary pictures and language to trick people into believing their computer is infected, and ultimately attempt to make…

  • Fix: What To Do if Removing a Virus Blocks Executable (.EXE) Files From Opening

    I have recently observed that after removing certain fake anti-spyware viruses (such as “Windows Security Center” or “Anti Virus 2010″), all executable (.exe) files will no longer open.  No matter what file you try to open – iTunes, Firefox, or even Malwarebytes – they will not open because they are all .exe files. To fix…

  • Follow Up: My Experience with Microsoft Security Essentials Anti-Malware Software

    A few months ago, Evan wrote a great article about Microsoft’s free anti-malware application, Microsoft Security Essentials. After using Microsoft Security Essentials for several months, I’ve been able to get a good sense of how it stacks up against the competition. My first experience with Security Essentials was on my own computer. It had some…

  • SUPERAntiSpyware Releases Portable Scanner

    Removing spyware from your computer can often prove to be a difficult task. Many programs are available to remove viruses and other malware in the case that your computer does become infected. The developers of SUPERAntiSpyware have recently released a portable version of their popular spyware removal application called SUPERAntiSpyware Portable.  SUPERAntiSpyware Portable is a…

  • Have a Virus? Let Malwarebytes Help

    It can happen to anyone:  You turn on your computer and log in, only to find pop-up advertisements, search bars, a changed desktop background, and many screens warning that you may be infected with a virus. One sign that you have been infected with a virus (or what can be referred to as malware) is…

  • Preventing Viruses Part 1: Email Viruses

    When you think of a computer virus, you might imagine a hacker in a dimly-lit room deliberately targeting your computer with malicious software.  While that might happen in movies, real viruses are nearly autonomous and are constantly scanning the internet seeking vulnerable software and hardware.  As soon as they find a viable target, they infect…

  • Looking for Free Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection? Try Microsoft Security Essentials

    Windows only:  Microsoft has just released the public version of their free virus, spyware, and malware protection suite dubbed Microsoft Security Essentials (the successor to their lesser-known Live OneCare product which offered similar features).  Security Essentials is a quick download and simple installation, giving users clear and easy-to-use indications whether your PC is secure or…