Virus/Malware Removal

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits you from accessing and using your own computer, either by locking the system's screen or by locking the your files until a ransom is paid. More modern ransomware families, collectively categorized as crypto-ransomware, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and forces users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key.

Users may encounter this threat through a variety of means. Ransomware can be downloaded onto systems when unwitting users visit malicious or compromised websites, without you even knowing it. It can also arrive as a payload either dropped or downloaded by other malware. Some ransomware are known to be delivered as attachments from spammed email, downloaded from malicious pages through malvertisements, or dropped by exploit kits onto vulnerable systems.

Once executed in the system, ransomware can either lock the computer screen, or, in the case of crypto-ransomware, encrypt predetermined files. In the first scenario, a full-screen image or notification is displayed on the infected system's screen, which prevents victims from using their system. This also shows the instructions on how users can pay for the ransom. The second type of ransomware prevents access to files to potentially critical or valuable files like documents and photos.

Malware is a general name given to any bad code that infects your computer without your permission. These unbidden infections entwine themselves into your computer's operating system, usually causing massive system slow downs, errors, or compromising your personal data. Many websites get hacked and embedded with bad code without the knowledge of the sites owners. They are victims also.

Once you browse to a tainted site, you often get infected just by having landed at that site. You need not click on anything at that page to get infected. The Java and Active X scripts automatically initiate the poisoned scripts and infect your system. Simply visiting the infected site is enough to infect your system with a rootkit, key logger, bots, worms, viruses, spyware, and other malicious items.

Spyware is malicious code, often designed to hijack your Internet browser, redirect you to unsolicited sites, randomly open pop-ups, or monitor activity like keystrokes on your computer. Spyware can even embed a key logger or open a backdoor to allow unauthorized access to your computer. It is very problematic for Internet browsing and can be a nightmare to clean off. Unlike a virus, spyware doesn't replicate or spread itself to other computers. Like a virus, it can put your sensitive personal information at risk to those with malicious intent.

Getting infected by spyware is usually as easy as clicking on a link or picture at a website, or downloading and running a malicious file unbeknownst to you. Once you are infected, cleaning off spyware infection properly can be extremely difficult. Shareware or free anti-spyware products are ineffectual and inadequate for cleaning or preventing most of the current generation of spyware or malware infecting computers today. If you are infected, your best bet is to get in touch with me and I can get this remedied quickly.

Viruses are malicious self-propogating code designed to do a variety of nasty things to your own computer and/or others' without end-user permission, knowledge, or wishes. Viruses try to spread themselves through a variety of methods. Virus examples are: worms, trojans, backdoors, macros, etc. Viruses are often created by hackers who are out to prove themselves, people disgruntled with a particular company, thieves and criminals, vandals, etc. Anyone who browses the internet, receives emails, or shares files are at risk of a virus infection.

Whether you are dealing with a virus or spyware infection, I have the expertise to eradicate and prevent these scourges from infesting your computer. These infections are more than just a nuisance, they can compromise sensitive and personal information, and infect friends and family as well. Don't just live with these parasites. Get in touch with me and I'll come out to clean off and prevent these infections from bringing you down. I can get you back up and running smoothly, at an affordable price.