One day, while you are using your PC or laptop, a notification suddenly appears from Windows Defender stating that your computer is infected with malware. Fortunately, Defender is able to counter the problem before any damage occurs.
If you have experienced the scenario above, you may need to know what malware is and its implications for your computer. Before discussing how to remove malware, it is good to know first what this term that people often talk about means.
What is Malware?
Etymologically, it means a program or software that is harmful. Malware is short for Malicious Software, which literally means malicious software. So it can be certain that the software has no positive role on the computer it infects.
Malware or what we may previously know as viruses have been around for a long time. Specifically, in 1982, a virus named Elk Cloner infected Mac computers. Meanwhile, for PC-based computers, they were infected by malicious software named Brain in 1986.
At that time, when there was no reliable internet connection like today, they spread through media such as floppy disks. This caused a stir at that time, but its most rapid development was in the 1990s when the internet started to be commonly used by the public.
The fastest development was through email intermediaries. At that time, there was a type of virus that could replicate itself through emails, especially through Microsoft Office products.
Entering the 21st century, the development of malicious programs became more and more uncontrollable. Especially after the internet adopted Web 2.0, which made the development of this malicious software even more aggressive. You may have heard of the ILOVEYOU virus, which is a famous virus that infected many Windows-based computer users.
Types of Malware Frequently Encountered
When discussing this, you may be confused about whether malware and viruses are the same thing. Then what about other terms such as worms, trojans, ransomware, or spyware? In general, all the terms mentioned above belong to malware. Remember as mentioned above, it is any software that is harmful. But of course, this term is further divided into several other terms according to their workings.
1. Virus
The most common type of malware is a virus. As the name implies, viruses work by attaching themselves to files on a computer or laptop and replicating themselves as if they were legitimate programs. Once the user is careless and clicks on the virus, mistaking it for a legitimate program, the virus starts working and infects the computer.
In reality, viruses won’t be active until there is human interaction with them. Sometimes, virus makers intentionally infect vulnerable files that users access.
Worms If the hallmark of a virus is requiring user interaction, a worm does not need human interaction to replicate itself. Once a computer is infiltrated by a worm, it is only a matter of time before it is finished if anti-malware software is not installed.
What makes it different from a virus is that worms exploit security holes in the computer. Therefore, the most effective way to deal with worms is to close these security holes.
2. Ransomware
As the name implies, ransom means a ransom payment. If a user is infected by ransomware, the files on their computer will be encrypted by the ransomware and cannot be accessed until the user pays the ransom to the ransomware maker.
If infected by ransomware, there is no other way to save data except to pay to get the decryption key. Some old ransomware may be decrypted if someone uploads the key to the internet. If not, you may have to accept that your data is lost and reinstall the OS.
3. Trojan
If you are familiar with the ancient Greek story where the Greeks successfully conquered the city of Troy by infiltrating it from within, this term is somewhat similar to a Trojan program on a computer.
Trojans usually disguise themselves as applications frequently used by users. Once the user installs the program, the Trojan reveals its true form. It can be said that Trojans are the most dangerous type of malware because they can steal important data on the computer such as bank data, passwords, and addresses.
4. Spyware
Despite sounding cool, when you are infected with spyware, the effects are not as cool as its name. Spyware is a program designed as a spy or spyware. This malware will secretly monitor everything you do and send it to a certain organization.
Spyware really works behind the scenes and is often undetected by the system. Spyware is usually used to steal personal data such as name, address, bank data, and even credit card information. So you know which part is detrimental to this malicious program.
5. Rootkit
Discussing behind the scenes, rootkits are probably the most difficult type of malware to detect. It is not easy to fight against rootkits because usually, programs created to fight against rootkits can be defeated by this malware.
If the rootkit in question infects the kernel of an operating system, then the only way to deal with it is to reinstall the operating system.
How to Clean PCs and Laptops from Malware
So, if earlier we discussed the types, how about how to keep our PC or laptop safe from such infections? Here are several common ways to do it:
1. Avoid Opening Vulnerable Websites
One of the most effective ways to avoid viruses is certainly by not opening uncredible websites. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish which sites contain viruses and which don’t.
But if the site you’re visiting contains a lot of ads, it’s better not to click on any of them and try not to continue browsing.
2. Update Windows and Defender to the Latest Version
Everyone understands that updating Windows can sometimes be annoying. Whether it’s because of the long update duration or sudden updates that prevent you from using your computer in an emergency.
However, updating Windows also has its advantages. One of them is that it can help remove malware that may be present on your computer or laptop. Windows updates can patch security vulnerabilities exploited by malicious software developers. And the Windows Defender database is constantly growing to counter new viruses that emerge every day.
3. Use Third-Party Anti-Virus
One way to clean a laptop from malware is to use third-party anti-virus or anti-malware software. There are many options available, and you can research what criteria you need.
4. Do Not Run Software from Unknown Sources Carelessly
The most classic way to get infected by malware or viruses is by being careless and installing software or simply plugging a flash drive into your computer or laptop. If the contents of the flash drive look strange with file sizes that are not normal, it’s best not to run the software.
Always scan it with anti-malware like Defender first, and if anything is detected, don’t do anything, and if the data is not too important, it’s better to format the flash drive.
Downloading files from the internet can also be dangerous if the source is from an untrusted site. It’s better not to install software or anything else if your anti-malware detects something.
So those are some brief ways to keep your computer or laptop free from malicious programs. Hopefully, the above information can help you.
