You’re working at your computer when all of the sudden – BAM! – you get a pop-up notification that your PC is infected with a virus and you must “click here” to run a scan or install antivirus software. This is a common scareware tactic used by hackers to get you to click and download a virus.

Often it will appear to be a system alert or a Microsoft operating system alert. Regardless of how legitimate it looks, NEVER click on the site or the pop-up. The safest thing to do is close your browser; do not click on the X, “Close” or “Cancel” button in the pop-up or on the site because clicking on anything on the page or pop-up will trigger a virus download. If that won’t work, bring up your task manager (hold Control + Alt + Delete on a PC and Command + Option + Esc to “Force Quit” on a Mac) and close the web browser or application where it appeared. Next, notify your IT department (us!) that this has happened so we can double-check with a legitimate scan if your computer was infected.

It looks like a real warning from Microsoft and gives you a number to call for help. Once they gain access to your machine, there is no telling what they will do.

There are ways to protect yourself from these issues. To begin with, you should have an Internet Security plan in place. Your software should be able to detect suspicious behavior (malware) and block it before it can take hold. Another way is to set up System Restores so you can go back to before the issue causes damage. A firewall with DNS filtering can keep you off sites that may cause you harm. Another thing is to have a backup plan in place in case you need to restore the machine.

Prevention is always the best way to go. Common sense is always your best tool. Be careful about where you go. It is best to close the barn door before the cow escapes. Set up your perimeter and browse safely!

Sincerely,

Dr.Bob

The Computer Doctor – I’m not  a real doctor but I play one at Network Meetings!