The ever increasing number of internet users has provided cyber criminals an opportunity to exploit the vulnerabilities in the computer systems. As people constantly rely on the digital world for work, gaming, social networking, recreation and other such purposes, there has been a massive upsurge in the malware threats. It is important to detect the infection in order to protect your computer and prevent such attacks in future.  

Given below are some warning signs that may indicate that your computer is malware infected: 

• Slow Computer: If your computer has been infected by a malware, it may slow down the speed of the system, internet and programs. However, make sure you rule out other potential causes of a slow computer, such as resource-heavy applications, fragmented system, lack of hard disk space or RAM etc. 
• Unwanted Pop-Ups: Unexpected pop-up advertizements that appear on your computer system are one of the most annoying signs of a malware infection. In some cases, these pop-ups may appear even if you are not connected to the internet. When the user clicks on a pop-up, it may redirect him to a fake website or download more malware on the system. Make sure you do not click on any of these ads or answer any survey questions. 
• Unexpected System Crashes: A malware infected computer may crash unexpectedly and quite frequently as well as switch to the BSOD (blue screen of death). However, the problem may also appear due to a technical problem in the computer, such as the lack of latest drivers or incompatible programs running on the system. If this is not the case, you should immediately scan your computer to identify any malicious program or file. 
• Random Network Activity: Another sign of a malware infection is the constant blinking of the router, indicating a high level of network activity even when you are not running a heavy program or uploading/downloading any files. It may be possible that your system has been hacked and controlled by a remote administrator.
• Lack Of Storage Space: Several types of malware are designed to manipulate files on the infected computer and fill up the space available on the hard drive. If any of your files stored in your computer system have been deleted, modified or you find any unknown programs that you didn’t install, it indicates a malware infection. 
• Disabled Security Software: In order to avoid detection, many malware programs disable the security software installed on your computer. Hence, your computer does not have the necessary tools to identify and eliminate the malware. In some cases, you may also receive security warnings or threat alerts from antivirus programs that you never installed on the system. 

We, at Centex Technologies, provide internet security solutions in Dallas, TX. For more information, you can call at (972) 375 – 9654.

Malware, or malicious software, is a broad term used to describe a set of programs intended to carry out unauthorized activities. When a malware is injected into a computer system, it can affect its functioning, steal important files, dodge access controls and track the user’s online activity. In order to prevent these malicious programs from infecting your system, it is important to understand the different types of malware found online. Some of these have been discussed below:

Virus

A computer virus mainly infects a computer system through a malicious code embedded in a software or program. It can be used to steal information, damage hard disk, relay spam email and advertizements, create botnets etc. When a user launches the infected program, the virus can spread on to other computers through email attachments, IMs, shared network, removable storage devices etc.

Trojan

A Trojan typically comes disguised as useful software in order to convince the user to download and install it. Once executed, it can give remote access of your computer system to the hacker. The program is designed to take complete control of the victim’s system with the purpose of causing damage or pilfering confidential information. A Trojan allows the hacker to delete or modify files, steal financial information, install more malware etc.

Spyware

This type of malware works by anonymously tracking a user’s online activity and transmitting it to a cybercriminal. Stealing financial information, such as bank account numbers, online banking and credit card details, is the main target of most spyware. It can also slow down the infected computer, particularly when there is more than one program running.

Rootkit

A rootkit is designed to function remotely so as to avoid being detected by the users or anti-virus software. Once installed on a computer system, a rootkit can steal or gain access to your information, execute program files, modify security software, install another malware and alter system configurations. It can even block installation of anti-virus software or lock the system to prevent detection.

Worms

Computer worms may spread in a disguised form by exploiting security vulnerabilities in the operating system. They can create a backdoor in your computer which allows a hacker to access the system remotely, making it vulnerable to a Denial-of-service (DoS) attack. Unlike viruses, worms can self-replicate, without the need of a host and can send out its copies to several other systems, by infiltrating contacts in your email or phone book.

It is important that you follow the requisite security measures to avoid malware attacks and protect your identity online.