READER BEWARE OF MALWARE

Malware, This is the smallest and most overlooked item in ones persons day to day life on the internet.  How could malware be so "Overlooked" you may ask? It's simple really, most people may understand about junk mail or links that may carry viruses and such however these are not the only way to implant something on to ones computer.

            

Not only could these be picked up from an un-attritional click, they could be loaded with the video's you watch, the mail sent from friends, placed through the back door, or even just from the local router upload. In The inquirer there was an article stating"...the company revealed to the Asahi Japan Watch that extensive classified data might have been stolen from some of the 83 computers and servers that were found to be infected with up to 50 viruses." This bring the indication that if one computer in the system becomes effected that it is possible for many other to suffer the main fate. However just having the malware on your computer is not enough, no what it does is the most important thing. in the same article it is also stated, "it has been revealed that the company found evidence that suggested information on fighter jets and helicopters designed for Japan's Ministry of Defense and nuclear power plant and anti-earthquake data was pilfered by the hackers." This may seem extreme to your day to day life but think if this information was not safe what makes you think that your information was safer than that?

           

 Food for thought, as technology becomes more portable and affordable more malware will be crated and distributed. does this make sense? most people link there smart phones to their home computer which may them too upload malware. In the article Malware on smartphone rise up to 800%" increase of malware on smartphone increased by 800 percent. According to research conducted by the national online security company in the UK, during this week (from November 7 to November 11), as much as 17 percent of smartphones used for several things related to money and approximately 22 percent is used for downloading new applications at least once a month ." this is quite worrisome for people whom keep personal information such as their credit cards, or back accounts.

         

Though, major websites try to make there services problem free it is not always a guarantee as seen in the Twilight Facebook scam.

It is unfortunate that these problems exist on the internet however there is a way to keep safer:

1. Don't down load things you don't know.

2. Try not to visit strange websites (know that's hard for some people)  

3. Check mail subject lines for sign of awkwardness (like "you got to see this" or "love letter")

4. Don't click on pop ups

5. Lastly and the easiest to do acquire a anti-viral software updated and on your computer at all times, use the scanning function regularly!

            Though I am not trying to scare you sometimes fear is the best way to get someone to be more careful.