Identifying Malware & Rectify it by Antivirus Software

 

Identifying Malware & Rectify it by Antivirus Software

It is not the intention of this article to go into technicalities of how antivirus works or anything similar, but to make the user aware of the importance of something so simple but at the same time with a significant impact on the security of our computers. The importance of updating our software / programs is not only delegated to the Antivirus but it is a routine that we should incorporate into any program installed on the computer whose function is security.

In the particular case of Antivirus, the update is necessary for the simple fact that one of the tools that it has to prevent or detect the entry of computer viruses in time is detection through its database.

Basically, what it does is take a piece of code from the virus in question and incorporate it into its database, so that later, either through scanning or permanent protection, when a new file is entered or processed on the computer This will compare that fragment of code available in the antivirus database with the file that is being used, and if they match, an alert will immediately appear in our system warning us that a virus has been found. The efficiency of this process is closely linked to the "quality" of the database; let's say that the more records it has, the broader the spectrum covered by our Antivirus.

Why are we commenting on this? And… what does it have to do with the update?

We comment on it because it has to do with everything.

Because one of the   things that is installed in the process of updating an antivirus, are new records in the Database, let us bear in mind that new viruses are emerging every day, and existing ones are mutating; so having an Antivirus installed and not updating it is having security only from the moment of installation backwards; By this I mean that all viruses and / or malicious programs that emerge (and will) come to light at a later time… we will be defenseless.

That is why we believe it necessary to insist on this issue, for the following reasons:

 

-         It is simple processes to carry out, which even the user can do.

-         Besides the ease, it is something that only takes a few minutes.

-         It is something vital, essential, for the maximum performance of our Antivirus.

Also, we have the option of activating automatic updates in our Antivirus software, which, if we want to "forget about it", it would not be a bad idea; What if we would have to take into account is not to put it to update on a schedule in which intensive use of the pc is made because we would be slowing down the system, hindering the other tasks we are doing, although it is not critical anymore that, in itself, the update process does not usually take long.

Otherwise it happens when we scan the pc for viruses, this if we decide to do it automatically , try to set a time when the computer is not being used, because exhaustive use of the computer is made since to scour file by file for viruses.

Malware has many faces, and it is that malicious programs reproduce on computers in different ways. Whether it is viruses , spyware or Trojans , the presence of malicious software on computer systems should always be avoided. What types of malware are there? In this guide we tell you what is the best way to protect yourself from their attacks and what you can do if your computer or your server's web space becomes infected.

What does malware mean and what types are there?

The term malware refers to a type of software that has generally malicious functions. Most users simply identify it as a virus, thus moving away from the actual definition and dimension of malicious software. A computer virus represents a specific type of malware and is different from many other types.

Computer viruses

Viruses are programs that spread independently , reproduce themselves and infiltrate other computer programs and are the most traditional and well-known form of malicious software. When a virus is activated, it reproduces and can impair the functionality of the computer, destroy data, spy on the user or even damage the hardware.

Computer worms

Computer worms reproduce and spread more actively than viruses and do not need to alter files, but instead access systems through networks or storage devices. Computer worms that spread via e-mail use a user's e-mail program to distribute themselves through the contacts in the address book. Like viruses, worms can damage the system and are often used to give the attacker some control over other people's computers. Today they are one of the most widely used types of malware.

Trojans

Trojan horses, better known as Trojans (their name refers to the Greek myth collected by Homer in The Odyssey ), are presented as apparently harmless programs, but in reality they try to access computer systems and, if they succeed, they execute them functions that negatively affect the user. Trojans are capable of carrying out harmful actions, such as monitoring data traffic on a computer or even copying files and sending them. Others, for their part, run and modify certain programs on the computer and install new software (in most cases, spyware or adware). Trojans can even be remotely controlled(for example, through a backdoor), which gives rise to other users having the possibility of misusing a computer in what is now known as cybercrime.

Adware

The term derives from English and is composed of "advertisement" ("Ad") and software ("ware"). Adware allows advertising to be displayed in a program and, in most cases, it is part of freeware (freeware) and is legitimate. However, it can be dangerous when you make changes to the system or browser settings without prompting and display, for example, pseudo web pages or pop-up windows.

Preventive measures against malicious by Antivirus Software

There are different types of software designed to protect computer systems from external threats, but all the responsibility does not lie with them, but your handling of the situation also plays an important role. This refers, on the one hand, to software-based preventive measures and, on the other, to guidelines on the use of the Internet.

Software-based prevention

In order for your system to be safe from badware, it is advisable to equip the team with the following software:

• A current & effective antivirus software: An antivirus is a program that runs permanently and protects your computer from the threats of malicious software. To be able to recognize as many malicious programs as possible, you should always be up to date with automatic updates. Windows operating systems come standard with an antivirus, which can be Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows Vista, Windows 7) or Windows Defender (from Windows 8). Among the most effective and free antivirus programs are Avast , Avira and 360 Total Security. These programs are available for both Windows and Mac or Android operating systems. Another of the best known and also free antivirus for Windows is Panda Free Antivirus Software. These types of programs protect systems from the presence of viruses and can eliminate almost any of them regardless of their nature or, at least, can offer advice on how to proceed correctly. This also applies to computer worms, Trojans and other types of malicious software, so that antivirus programs not only protect against computer viruses, but also against other types of malicious programs and also help to remove malware.

• An active firewall: You can only protect your computer from unwanted access when the firewall is active, and this is an essential component of many operating systems, including Windows.

• A current version of the operating system: Updates help eliminate security gaps caused by malware on your computer. It is best to keep the operating system up to date, for example, by activating automatic updates.  

• Current versions of the programs: it is also advisable to update the software that is used, especially that which enables the Internet connection. Outdated versions of browsers, Java, Flash, and other applications, often contain security flaws and allow badware to access the system.