Hello everyone,
On Monday 7/15/2013, I spoke at the local PC Users Group here in Crossville Tennessee (http://www.ppcuginc.com/). The following is the outline that I handed out to everyone present. The outline is intended to cover the basics as it is impossible to cover much more on a single page. I explained various points in much more detail during the actual presentation. I had a great time!
Computer Infections What is a computer infection? Malware, short for malicious software, is software used or programmed by attackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can appear in the form of code, scripts, active content, and other software. 'Malware' is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software. Malware includes computer viruses, computer worms, ransomware, trojan horses, keyloggers, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, malicious BHOs, and other malicious software. Basic ways that a computer can become infected: A) Accepting without reading B) Opening e-mail attachments C) Not running the latest updates D) Pirating software, music, or movies E) No antivirus spyware scanner F) Downloading infected software How to protect your computer from becoming infected: A) Install antivirus and antispyware programs from a trusted source B) Update software regularly C) Use strong passwords and keep them secret D) Never turn off your firewall E) Don’t be tricked into downloading malware F) Use flash drives cautiously Tools that one can use to help prevent infection: A) Windows Update B) Firewall C) Router D) Update third party programs (SUMo: http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?sumo) Get the "Lite" version. E) Browser Protection (Google Chrome) F) Disable browser add-ons (toolbars and extensions) G) Revo Uninstaller (remove all toolbars) H) Only visit safe websites (WOT: http://www.mywot.com/en/download) I) Free antivirus: Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download) J) Paid antivirus: ESET NOD32 (http://www.eset.com/us/home/products/antivirus/). Tools that one can use to remove an infection: A) Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/) B) HitmanPro (http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/) C) Comodo Cleaning Essentials(http://www.comodo.com/business-security/network-protection/cleaning_essentials.php) D) ESET Online Scanner (http://www.eset.com/me/home/products/online-scanner/) E) Microsoft Safety Scanner (http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx).
