Malware is a term coined to cover all kinds of “Malicious Software”. This includes Ransomware, Virus, Trojans, Adware, Spyware, and Toolbars. Malware varies in severity. Some malware changes your search page to display advertising. Other malware can allow an attacker to access your files or webcam. This post covers some tools and methods used with malware removal.
Preventing Malware
Prevention is better than cure. Preventing malware shouldn’t be a chore, and these few simple task will make a big difference.
Paid Antivirus/Internet Security – While there are many free Antivirus/Internet Security programs available, a paid solution is a safer option. I recommend ESET Internet Security. For more information regarding ESET please feel free to message us via our contacts page.
Install Updates – Updates are an important part of staying secure online. Updates patch vulnerabilities in your device. Some malware will exploit vulnerabilities to install itself on your device. Patching your system takes away the vulnerabilities some malware use to install itself.
Run an Adblocker – uBlock Origin is an ad blocker available for free for both Chrome and Firefox. Some malware is delivered to your machine via malvertising (malicious advertising). uBlock origin blocks ads as well as malicious domains to help keep your device free from malware.
CyberReason RansomFree – Ransomfree is a free tool to help protect against ransomware. It creates and monitors several groups of files on your machine. If these files are modified, Ransomfree will attempt to neutralise the attack.
Attachments – Don’t open attachments from unknown sources. While a word document looks innocent enough, these document can be created to download malware onto your machine. Often without your knowledge. PDF files can also be created to perform malicious activities.
Removing Malware
Sometimes whatever you do, malware may still make in onto your machine. Whether it is bundled with other software or a momentary loss of concentration after which you open a malicious attachment. There are many tools available to help remove malware. In the worst cases of malware, you may need to format and reinstall your device. In a case like this you may need to restore from backup.
AdwCleaner & Junkware Removal Tool – Remove adware, toolbars, browser hijacks, and other potentially unwanted software. Both these tools are free and provided by Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes also offer a paid service to help keep your PC clean from malware in real time.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool – Removes malicious software from your PC. This tool is updated and run as part of “Patch Tuesday”. You can manually download the latest version on the link above, or run the version installed on your machine, by opening the run dialog box (Windows Key + R) and typing mrt and pressing enter.
Clean Temporary Files – Malware often resides in Temporary Files. This can be cleaned up quickly and eliminate some threats by running disk-cleanup.
Antivirus – Antivirus scanning often happens in real time. Occasionally items can be missed. A full scan with your antivirus will ensure that any malware that may be hiding on your machine is removed.
This article is written for Windows devices but malware can affect all devices – yes, even your Mac. ESET do offer antivirus solutions for Mac, as well as other devices such as Android phone. To find out more, feel free to contact us.