Malware in Tysons Corner: Are You Safe?

We've all heard about spyware, malware, adware and viruses. We know that they are bad for our computers and can cause a lot of damage. But what are the differences between them? Many of us could use a basic definition of what these menaces are and what to do about them if we get one. TeamLogic IT in Tysons Corner and Vienna wants you to understand the difference between all these- and they are the experts in computer security.

Spyware

Spyware refers to software that collects and transmits your personal information, including financial information, browsing habits or sites visited from your computer to another location on the Internet without your permission or knowledge. It is a form of privacy-invasive software and is usually an add-on to something you choose to download from the Internet, such as a browser helper or a web accelerator. They tend to display frequent, continuing pop-up or banner ads or they may redirect your browser to another website. Spyware can also divert advertising revenue to a third party, change your computer settings or your homepage or even cause a loss of Internet or other programs. Spyware typically does not transfer to other computers; it prefers to nestle itself deeply into your system and can be very difficult to remove. Spyware rarely installs all by itself, but frequently allow other destructive software to access your computer as well. Spyware is typically very resistant to removal and can require expert help to get rid of it.

Adware

Adware is similar to spyware, but it generally refers to any advertising that is displayed according to your browsing habits. The user may or may not be aware that adware has been downloaded. The primary function of adware is to monitor the user's browsing habits in order to send targeted ads to your computer in an n attempt to direct the revenue from these ads to the installing sites.

Malware

Malware is an umbrella term that simply means "malicious software" and can refer to spyware, adware and viruses.

Virus

A computer virus is on a mission to infect and destroy your computer as well as replicating themselves in order to spread to as many other computers as possible as quickly as possible. Viruses need to execute code and write to memory, so they will often attach themselves to executable files that are part of legitimate programs. When the user opens the program, the code from the virus may execute before the program does. They can attach to other programs, transfer through emails and macros in documents or spread through a network. They can overwrite files and kill the work of an antivirus program before it can even detect the virus. Viruses are tricky and extremely destructive. The people who create the virus often seek to outdo the viruses that came before them- kind of an ego boost of destruction.

To keep your computer and network free from all forms of malware, including spyware, adware and viruses, you need to have the most up-to-date security available. This can be confusing and time consuming for the average computer user or even for staff IT people. The best way to be certain that your computers are safely protected is to hire an expert security company such as TeamLogic IT. TeamLogic IT can monitor your system remotely, and then repair and remove malware even before you know that it is there. Visit TeamLogic IT of Tysons Corner today at http://www.teamlogicit.com and let the experts protect your computer network.