It is that dreaded feeling of oh, no – they got me! And I do mean the collective ‘me’ as in someone is holding your computer hostage. Last night I was infected with an ad malware virus which blocked access to my computer. It was one of those infamous boxes which screams Alert, Stop, call this number for help. Obviously most computer users are savvy to the tricks and now recognize a malware invasion. I was lax in keeping my computer clean and this was an unwanted but excellent reminder to daily run malware and virus checks.
Malvertising is one of the latest trends circulating and is difficult to prevent. Ads on legitimate websites are the carrier of a malvertising infection. Users do not have to click on the ad to be infected. Many times scammers run a clean ad on a legitimate website and after a period of time inject malware into the ad. Just visiting the site can cause a malware infection.
How Can I Stop Malvertising?
One of the quickest and easiest ways to protect your computer from malvertising is the installation of ad blocking software. Adguard and Adblock offer free and paid versions which will block ads when you visit a website.
Two Free Programs That Keep Your Computer Clean
CCleaner and Malwarebytes are two free programs every computer owner should consider. Both programs are highly rated, easy to install, easy to use and help ensure the integrity of your computer.
CCleaner is a registry and junk cleaner plus optimizes the performance of your computer. If you spend a lot of time surfing the web and visiting different sites CCleaner can clear your cache with a simple keystroke. The program can be customized with ease choosing which browsers to optimize and which functions and features should apply to your system specifications.
Malwarebytes is a niche program which targets the prevention, detection and the ability to destroy malicious malware infections. The program is also easy to install with no muss or fuss and delivers what it promises.
Why Do I Need Both Programs If I Have Anti Virus Software?
In my experience, an anti virus program plus CCleaner and Malawarebytes provide a triple threat to protect your computer. CCleaner and Malawarebytes are small niche programs which not only supplement but detect issues an anti virus program does not. Computer users, including myself, are lax in cleaning their cache and deleting temporary files and cookies. CCleaner is one click of a button from your desktop. CCleaner probably completes its’ task with a click of the mouse quicker than manually going through the steps to clean the cache yourself.
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