Adware displays unwanted advertisements (pop-ups) and can open your network up to additional vulnerabilities, much like Trojans.Īntivirus programs are primarily designed to prevent these types of malware from infecting a PC in the first place.

Ransomware, or scareware, “locks” the computer while demanding payment, and will delete your files if payment isn’t made.

Worms are network malware that infect multiple connected devices.

Spyware tracks your passwords, credit card numbers, and online behavior.Trojans are disguised as legitimate software and often open a backdoor in your device for other malware to exploit.Viruses are a type of malware that infect, delete, and corrupt files.

Malware is the general term applied to a wide range of specific software that infects and harms data and devices: To best protect your Windows device, you must start by understanding the variety of threats posed by malicious software. Can antivirus software remove malware?Īntivirus programs alone may not be enough to protect your business. While stronger network protections against malware and overall enterprise security are an important topic that we’ve explored previously, this guide offers a few clear and efficient strategies to rid your device of these pernicious invaders once they’ve already been set loose on your PC. While Apple devices are susceptible to malware attacks, Windows devices are targeted more often. These vulnerabilities always pose an unacceptable risk to business data and operations, and you might not know until it’s too late. Your network’s firewall offers a sturdy first line of defense, but if it fails, infiltrating viruses can easily spread and create additional security vulnerabilities-sometimes without detection. To effectively protect a company’s workstations, you must always remain vigilant against malware.

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