This Halloween, don’t let viruses and malware turn your PC into a zombie! Reports this month from Microsoft showed that over two million computers in America have been infected and turned into “botnet” machines. Botnets are massive networks of infected machines which are controlled centrally – an estimated 12 million infected machines worldwide (McAfee).

Botnet infections can suck the processing life from your computer. Machines that used to whizz through work are turned into slow, lumbering cases. A shadow of their former selves. Not caring a jolt about what you want, they’re too busy doing work for other people.
Have you ever wondered why people infect computers? It’s no longer down to rebellious teenagers kicking out at the world. Viruses, malware and infections are big business these days.

Imagine having control over millions of infected PC’s, being able to send instructions for them any time you want. This massive computing power is being bought and sold on the black market for illicit activity such as sending spam emails, collecting personal and business information, and roaming the internet looking for new computers to infect. People are making big money out of infecting PC’s.

But Steve, we’re alright, we use anti-virus software…

Anti-virus software is essential, and is your first line of defence. You’re doing the right thing, day after day we see businesses that have either no protection or the absolute bare minimum – and then they wonder why their PC’s are now crawling along.

We all need to be more proactive these days with our security. Understanding the basics of security is vital:
● Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know
● Make sure your firewall is running
● Make sure all your updates have been installed – windows, anti-virus, java, acrobat and flash being the most frequently updated
● And if you’re being chased… Don’t run towards the cemetery!

Not just that but your PC should be checked regularly to make sure that it’s up to date and secure.

Regularly test vital life signs…

Sometimes it’s obvious that something is wrong. The slowness, the weird popups or search engine results mysteriously jumping to different sites. These are the obvious signs that something is afoot.
Some malicious software is more stealthy. It sits in the background and keeps to itself – hiding in the shadows of system files, or temporary folders. They masquerade as normal programs or sometimes hide themselves completely.

Only systematic, regular testing of the computer’s vital life signs will show if there is a problem or not.

Our regular PC servicing plan gives you the reassurance that your computers are up to date and working cleanly. With a full service every six months arranged at a time to suit you. We can see if something isn’t quite right and we can make sure that all your security updates have been installed – keeping your computer as secure as possible.

Crush viruses and malware with knowledge…

More than anything else, awareness of the risks and knowledge of what to do is the best form of defence. Knowing what to do when you get that unexpected pop-up can save a lot of pain later.

That’s why we’ve set up the mytechie security network. Our way of keeping you informed of existing security problems and updates as well as how to get the most from your computers, networks and technology. As a member you also get discounts on work that we do at mytechie and on our “techie tutor” home and office learning service.

Basic membership of our security network is absolutely free, send an email with your name and address to securitynetwork@mytechie.co.uk and we’ll sign you up.