Ritzville's Tech Guy: Advice, warnings about malware

Computers on the Internet are the gateway to the world. Today, we can do research, check the weather, shop, play games, bank, and do many other activities that were once not available within our own homes.

Unfortunately, with the reward of convenience comes risk. As we “surf” the Internet we can sometimes inadvertently go to websites that we did not intend to go to or unknowingly run malicious programs on our computers.

Some of the less reputable websites are deceptive in nature and depending on various factors, malicious software can accidently get installed. Malicious software also known as “malware” is designed to gain access or damage a computer without your knowledge.

There are various types of malware but I would like to address a common variant.

While on the Internet, using a PC or a Mac, a pop-up window will take over your screen and give a “warning” that says your computer is infected and that you should immediately stop using it and call a 1-800 (or similar) phone number to get help.

This may include warnings that someone has access to your computer or that someone has your credit card number. This is not an honest representation of what is happening.

I equate this event as being similar to going to a doctor and they inject you with a disease and then they say, for a fee, they will remove the disease. These “businesses” inject your computer with a piece of malware and then when you call, they require remote access to your computer and charge a fee that starts at over $300.

DO NOT give remote access to someone that you do not know or trust. Allowing remote access gives the unknown person full access to your computer along with all of the information that is stored on it.

These “businesses” portray themselves as legitimate, and although a few may be, the practices by which they are accessing your computer are deceitful. They are preying on the average user and taking advantage of one’s fear of being “hacked”. Microsoft, Google or any of their affiliates will never call you.

If you come across this issue with your computer, I would encourage you to NOT call the phone number. Do not click on any of the buttons on the pop-up window.

Turn off your computer. It is likely that your computer is infected with malware or you have visited a website that is infected with malware. You can restart the computer and sometimes the pop-up window will not be there and sometimes it will.

You will likely need to take your computer to a computer technician to have it cleaned. Malware invites more malware on to your computer and there is rarely ever just one instance.

Good security software, up-to-date router settings, and proper Internet ‘surfing’ habits will assist in malware prevention.

Peer-to-peer download sites, some gaming sites, pornography sites, obscure information sites, etc. are common sources of malware. When exploring the Internet, stick to reputable sites that are properly vetted. Only open emails from people you know.

We can put security measures in place and take precautions but the reality is that there is no way to block it 100 percent. You may have malware on your computer if you notice it slowing down or have multiple pop-up windows as you browse the Internet.

Always, always keep a backup copy of your data.

This column is sponsored by Wheatland Computer Services. Kiel can be contacted at 509-659-1166 or http://www.ritztechguy.com.