- May 26, 2014
- 1,051
Some very common misconceptions like "Free Antivirus Software is a scam" are common among users that haven't dug their whole lives into security and antivirus software. Share this document with your mom and dad so they err... know what to do in case of an antivirus infection and even more!
Fact Or Myth? Free Antivirus Software is a scam.
Myth. Scam software, after all, scams you into giving out personal information like your credit card. How can a free antivirus software achieve that? Although some free antivirus software acts like a trojan to launch multiple malware processes, most are safe, and certified to use.
To be sure, stick with some of the main programs:
- Avast
- Avira
- AVG
- Bitdefender (Free Version)
- Kaspersky (Free Version)
- And some others like X-Virus, which are commonly discussed in the MalwareTips community.
And remember, don't ever pay if you download a free software and it asks you to register.
Fact Or Myth? Uninstalling A Program is throwing it into the trash can.
Definitely a Myth. For starters, throwing a "program" into a trash can only gets rid of the "shortcut" that connects your mouse click to open up the program access information. So, all the bulk of the program is located in the Program Files folder.
A better way to uninstall is to go to Windows Add/Remove, which can be located in the control panel. Or even better, downloading a third-party uninstaller to ensure malware removal (like Revo, IObit, and Geek).
Fact Or Myth? I'm on a Linux/Mac, so I'm safe from any threats.
Myth. A Linux/Mac might be free from the most of windows malware, the OS doesn't provide safety from Phishing Threats (stealing information) and harmful attachment attacks (if the email attachment is a dmg file).
Fact Or Myth? There Is Such Thing As Ransomware.
Fact. This isn't just some propaganda that some junky old magazines made up. Ransomware is in the real world, and is very dangerous if your computer has many personal files. Once ransomware strikes, all your data is completely locked and cannot be accessed without paying a ransom ($300-$500). And worse, even if the malware is removed, your files are still locked.
Backing Up Your data using a flash drive, CD ROM, or a cloud based system like Acronis Backup allows you to simply reformat your drive after ransomware strikes and retrieve your lost data using the backups. Another good way to counter Ransomware is Sandboxie, an application that allows you to isolate part of your system, trapping the attacks of ransomware inside the sandbox.
Fact Or Myth? Norton is garbage.
While many people suggest to uninstall Norton AntiVirus, it is a legitimate antivirus and has made a comeback over the years. Although many PC Magazines have trashed it over the years, it has made a comeback and now is a competitor to top antivirus solutions such as ESET, Avast, Emisisoft, Kaspersky, etc.
However beware- some websites display fake pages showing either McAfee or Norton "scanning" and then popping up telling you that your computer needs repair. This, unlike the antivirus programs itself, is malware and you should close the windows immediately using Alt+F4 keys, or Ctrl-Alt-Del and then Shut Down System.
If time cooperates I will try to get another Fact Or Myth? done but no promises!
Fact Or Myth? Free Antivirus Software is a scam.
Myth. Scam software, after all, scams you into giving out personal information like your credit card. How can a free antivirus software achieve that? Although some free antivirus software acts like a trojan to launch multiple malware processes, most are safe, and certified to use.
To be sure, stick with some of the main programs:
- Avast
- Avira
- AVG
- Bitdefender (Free Version)
- Kaspersky (Free Version)
- And some others like X-Virus, which are commonly discussed in the MalwareTips community.
And remember, don't ever pay if you download a free software and it asks you to register.
Fact Or Myth? Uninstalling A Program is throwing it into the trash can.
Definitely a Myth. For starters, throwing a "program" into a trash can only gets rid of the "shortcut" that connects your mouse click to open up the program access information. So, all the bulk of the program is located in the Program Files folder.
A better way to uninstall is to go to Windows Add/Remove, which can be located in the control panel. Or even better, downloading a third-party uninstaller to ensure malware removal (like Revo, IObit, and Geek).
Fact Or Myth? I'm on a Linux/Mac, so I'm safe from any threats.
Myth. A Linux/Mac might be free from the most of windows malware, the OS doesn't provide safety from Phishing Threats (stealing information) and harmful attachment attacks (if the email attachment is a dmg file).
Fact Or Myth? There Is Such Thing As Ransomware.
Fact. This isn't just some propaganda that some junky old magazines made up. Ransomware is in the real world, and is very dangerous if your computer has many personal files. Once ransomware strikes, all your data is completely locked and cannot be accessed without paying a ransom ($300-$500). And worse, even if the malware is removed, your files are still locked.
Backing Up Your data using a flash drive, CD ROM, or a cloud based system like Acronis Backup allows you to simply reformat your drive after ransomware strikes and retrieve your lost data using the backups. Another good way to counter Ransomware is Sandboxie, an application that allows you to isolate part of your system, trapping the attacks of ransomware inside the sandbox.
Fact Or Myth? Norton is garbage.
While many people suggest to uninstall Norton AntiVirus, it is a legitimate antivirus and has made a comeback over the years. Although many PC Magazines have trashed it over the years, it has made a comeback and now is a competitor to top antivirus solutions such as ESET, Avast, Emisisoft, Kaspersky, etc.
However beware- some websites display fake pages showing either McAfee or Norton "scanning" and then popping up telling you that your computer needs repair. This, unlike the antivirus programs itself, is malware and you should close the windows immediately using Alt+F4 keys, or Ctrl-Alt-Del and then Shut Down System.
If time cooperates I will try to get another Fact Or Myth? done but no promises!