Pop Goes the Malware

It's happened to almost everyone, regardless of what type of computer you have or how old it is. You are innocently surfing along and, POW! You are besieged with weird pop up windows. In some cases, you've won the lottery (congrats), in others it seems your computer has been infected with a terrible virus that only the "experts" at "Microsoft" can fix if you call their 800 number. 

Seems legit...

 The problem is that these pop ups are simply a symptom of a deeper issue - Malware. Malware is software that you never wanted or intentionally invited onto your computer. 

What does it do?

At times, malware can serve no other purpose than to drive you to certain websites. Clicks = cash for the site owners and sending you to their sites against your will is easy money. In other cases, malware can be used to try and trick you into allowing someone to take over your computer and then holding it hostage until you pay up. Finally there are some types of malware that can be used to access your personal files or attack other's computers. Overall, this is bad stuff. 

How do I get malware?

Sometimes it hitches a ride with free software (cursors, backgrounds, toolbars, etc) other times it arrives via websites that offer "free" streaming of the latest movies or downloads of "free" music. In these cases, you have to actively download or install something to end up with malware. There are occasions where you can pick up these uninvited guests simply by visiting a website. 

I just got it set up the way I like it...

How can I prevent it?

Don't be lured by promises of freebies on the internet. If something sounds too good to be true - it is. Stay away from free downloads unless they are from very reputable organizations or unless they have many positive reviews on sites like www.cnet.com. 

What do I do if I get malware?

Don't panic! It's not the end of the world and all is not lost. You'll want to quickly find a malware removal tool like Malwarebytes or Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. After you download the tool, let it scan your computer and clean it up. If the malware persists, you may need to restore your system to an earlier point in time using System Restore or a Time Machine backup

Note - these thoughts are primarily geared to users working on the Windows platform as there aren't as many issues with malware on Macs. However, Mac users do run into these problems from time to time. Follow this link for good information on dealing with Macs and malware.

Block Party

If you've heard me speak, odds are good that you've heard me harp on the importance of using a content filter at home. If not, then you should know that a content filter is simply a way to filter out certain types of content from your home internet (hence the name). Sometimes this happens via software installed on the computer, sometimes it’s simply a setting on the router, but in all cases the process happens in a way similar to the diagram below. 

Your content is simply filtered through a database managed by a third party, then provided to you. This all happens in a flash, so speed is rarely an issue.

The two barriers that seems to keep parents from installing a content filter are wondering which filter to use and complexity.

First, I will tell you that I have personally had success with OpenDNS – www.opendns.org. You may find that you like it, you may not, but because it is a tool that covers every device on my network, I have always liked it.

In regards to the complexity… Well, often these seem intimidating and the filtering rules can feel overly complex. Sometimes they are. Many people start off with the best of intentions, get about halfway in and then give up.

Here’s the thing to remember, you don’t have to be the expert. All of these services have support numbers – make use of them. Don’t knock yourself out trying to sort out issues, if you’re stuck. Grab the phone and make the customer support folks sort it out for you. Honestly, a 10 minute phone call usually will sort out the problem and provide training that you’d otherwise miss trying to go it alone.

Listen, you can do it and filtering is important. Think of content filtering as a sort of seat belt. You insist on your children wearing seat belts in case of an accident, not because you plan on driving headlong into a tree. We filter, not because we don’t trust our kids, but rather to keep them safe in the case of an accident.

Ain't no party like an internet content filtering party!

If you haven’t already, why not start filtering tonight and have a little block party at your house?