We witnessed an increase in malware attacks in 2021. Many of them included high-profile attacks where hackers successfully hacked well-known organizations. The biggest ransomware attack of the year happened in April 2021, where hackers attacked the Colonial Pipeline in the US. The act caused chaos and panic across the US, as the pipeline supplies gas to the complete East Coast. Moreover, the same group also attacked Brenntag, a major chemical distribution company.

These attacks emphasize the need for better security and computer repair for computers and other digital devices.

After Effects of a Malware Attack

If malware infects your computer, you can notice your files disappearing and your computer being slow. But, malware does so much more than that to your devices! Here are all the things that can happen on your computer after malware affects it.

1- Malware Steals Your Sensitive Information

The biggest danger of malware is that it steals important information from your devices. More than 1000 data breaches happened in 2020, and the number increased significantly in 2021. These data breaches have affected almost all industries, from government organizations to giant corporations.

Once malware applications are installed on your devices, hackers can gather your personal and organizational information and sell it to third-party sources. This information can include anything from browsing history to passwords and confidential files.

2- Slows Down Your Device

Once malware software enters your device, it consumes a large chunk of your device’s memory. With so much memory being in use, there will be no space for useful software. Moreover, memory overload can also slow down your device. Hence, if you notice your device hanging often and taking hours to complete a single task, your device might have malware.

3- Spreads Through the Entire Network

Most devices in an organization operate on a single network, as it’s more feasible. But do you know that a type of malware, called worm, can replicate itself and affect all the devices on a network? When a worm enters a device, it soon spreads throughout the entire network. Hackers use worms for large organizations, operating through a single, shared internet connection.

4- Restrict Access to Your Files

If you have important files on your device, and you think you’re protecting them, then you might be wrong. Malware in your device can be disastrous to all your confidential files. Apart from slowing down your computer and stealing your files, malware can also stop you from opening your own files!

Yes, you heard that right! A type of malware called ransomware holds your files as ransom, restricts you from opening them, and threatens to delete them unless you give the hackers money.

How to Protect Your Device from Virus?

If you want to keep your devices safe, you need to take preventive steps to ensure that no malware can enter your devices and leak your information. Here are some measures you can take to keep your devices virus-free.

1- Install Anti-Virus Software

The best way to ensure that your device stays safe from any malware attack is to invest in anti-virus software. Many free anti-viruses and spyware software are available on the internet, but we suggest you buy a paid version, as it provides better security.

Anti-virus software can scan your device, including all files and programs, and detect malware. However, anti-viruses only detect malware; you’ll have to resort to other methods to remove malware immediately.

2- Always Use Security Authentication Methods

Security authentication methods aren’t only used when employees enter an organization! Whether personal or professional, your device also needs various security authentication for maximum protection. Start by setting a strong password with more than 8 characters and a mixture of symbols, letters, and numbers.

If your device allows you, you should also enable multi-factor authentication like a PIN or a security question alongside the password to enter the device. Through this method, even if the hackers get to know the password, they won’t be able to get into the device. You can also use biometric tools like fingerprint systems, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice recognition for additional security.

We also advise you never to save your passwords on a device. If a device breach occurs, all of the passwords saved on the device will be leaked.

3- Update Your Software Regularly

Do you know that hackers find it easier to enter devices that have outdated software and operating systems? Moreover, no software is completely bug-free. Therefore, developers keep introducing new versions of software where they have removed those bugs. If you keep updating your software regularly, you won’t be stuck with vulnerable software that hackers find easy to attack.

Apart from your operating system and your programs, you should also regularly update the browsers you use and the plug-ins in these browsers.

4- Make Email Security a Priority

The spam option on your mail’s inbox is there for a reason. Email might be the most popular communication medium, but it’s also every hacker’s favorite tool. Many hackers send infected attachments and links through emails. If you click on the link or download an attachment, the malware can enter your computer.

Therefore, only open emails from known senders. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments when you don’t know the sender personally.

Get Malware Removed Through the Best Computer Store Repair in San Antonio

However, all of these are preventive measures that you take to ensure that no virus enters your devices. But what to do if your device already has a virus or if you detect malware? At Computer Repair Plus, our professional computer and smartphone repair technicians use in-house tools and processes to remove malware from the device.

Moreover, our software and hardware installation technician also installs and updates software regularly, so your device can stay protected. Reach out to us today and work on a malware-free device with experienced repairs in San Antonio!