I miss the old days. We had computer viruses back then, but to infect your computer you had to actually do something stupid. They usually came in email messages and you had to click a link to launch the virus.
These emails usually had silly subject lines like the "I love you" virus. One of the companies I worked for had to spend thousands because one of the programmers opened up that virus and it infected the software install CDs. Of course when we announced it, a lot of our customers had a good laugh over the thought of a computer programmer with a pocket saver and taped glasses opening an email that said "I love you".
No one was laughing when the bill came from the PC repair companies for removing the viruses, rescuing important data, or setting up expensive backup systems in anticipation of a virus attack.
Next, of course, came spyware. This usually just slowed your computer down to a crawl. Again, business owners weren't laughing at the spyware removal bills.
Now we have what I call "Spyruses". These are viruses that get into your system just like spyware. They act like spyware and nag you until you do something. Once you do, the virus is activated. An like a medical virus, they are always mutating. Over the last three months, I haven't had two by the same name behave the same.
The two I see the most right now are what are called rogue antivirus programs, AntiVirus 2009 (or 2008 or 2007) and AntiVirus 360. They both work the same, just like spyware. You download a free Internet application or helper application and unknown to you, you get the spyware too. Often, you will be told you need a video codec to watch a video either on a website or attached to an email. You give all the approvals to download the codec so you can see the video, and the "spyrus" is in your system. There are other methods they use, but they all seem to prompt you to download something that seems innocent enough.
The virus names are intentional and misleading, to hopefully cause confusion with the real antivirus programs Norton AntiVirus 2009 and Norton 360. Norton software is developed by Symantec and they do a very good job protecting computers from viruses and spyware. In fact, I use Norton products to protect my computers. NORTON PRODUCTS DO NOT WARN YOU THAT YOU HAVE VIRUSES IF YOU HAVE NOT INSTALLED THEIR PRODUCT! If you get warnings and you have not installed a Norton product, it is most likely one of these viruses.
Once the spyware part gets into a system, the nagware starts taking over the computer. Over and over again it tells the user their system is infected. "Click Here" to download the most recent and best antivirus software, it says. The system gets slower and slower. If the user clicks the box, they are prompted to enter a credit card number. Once the credit card is given, the real nightmare begins. The virus is in full effect, and the "bad people" have the credit card number and associated information for their own use.
These are sophisticated virus programs. I had one set the flag for Windows as an unregistered version once the virus was removed. I had to completely rebuild Windows while saving the customer's data and programs. Almost all versions of the virus disable spyware removal tools and websites. The latest one I worked on disabled all the installed anti-spyware and anti-virus software programs AND made it impossible to run any new software programs, including software tools to remove viruses.
So what do business owners do to protect themselves? Here are some tips:
1. You get what you pay for with freeware anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. They sometimes work, many times don't. They are not a viable solution for any size business. In my opinion and experience, this includes protection software "included" by Comcast and Verizon as well as any software who's name ends with "Free". Use established products from Norton (Symantec), Trend Micro, Kapersky, and McAfee.
2. If you get any type of message saying to have viruses or spyware that you don't recognize, or have any suspicions at all, run your anti-spyware AND anti-virus software scans immediately. Resolve all issues that your software finds.
3. If your software no longer runs or the symptoms remain, download and run these spyware/malware tools ONLY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCED IN DEALING WITH COMPUTER PROBLEMS. Severe problems, sometimes even unrecoverable problems, can occur from using any of these tools, so they need to be used AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you are not comfortable with this type of risk, do not download and skip to #4. The best tools IMHO for resolving spyware based viruses are Spybot and Malwarebytes.
4. Find a qualified PC technician (like Malibu-Blue!). Avoid the big box stores, especially if you haven't backed up your data recently. We at Malibu-Blue treat your computer as if it was our own. Find a computer repair company you feel comfortable with and know they realize how important saving your data is and how important your PC (and a timely repair) is to your business.
Spyware and Viruses (and even Spyruses) are here to stay. The first step is to make sure you are protected as best you can be so you don't become a victim. The second step is to make sure you have a plan in place and someone to call in case you do.
One customer of mine knew all about this virus. Unfortunately his computer became infected when he accidentally bumped something near the mouse pad when the "Click Here" nagware message appeared. When something like that happens, the best plan sometimes is to just shut down the computer and call for help.
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