subject: Malicious Software Removal Tools - Are They Enough? [print this page] Combating with viruses, spyware and malware has always been a major security concern for PC users. Whether you are comfortable with the technical patois or not, as a user, dealing with malicious software removal is something that worries everyone. No matter what antivirus or anti spyware software you use, your system would still be running the risk of being infected from different types of malware. The reason is quite simple if you think it through. Automated software would protect you against certain malware. However, it will not protect you against the variety of social engineering techniques rampant online. These social engineering techniques are devised in such a manner that they manipulate you to deactivate your security systems or grant special admin authority to the malware. It sounds unlikely now. However, think about the countless number of apps on Facebook that fooled you. As an example, think about the Check your profile visitors app that spammed and spread using the friend of friend network of several Facebook profiles. It could violate user privacy because the users allowed it to access their profile in the beginning. The app relied on the inquisitiveness of users regarding their mysterious profile visitors or online stalkers. It was devised in such a way that the user granted access along with posting permission to the app so that it can spread quickly by posting itself to the walls of the friends in the users profile. These apps mainly hack personal info of users and send it to advertisers for revenue.
The bottom line is there is no guarantee that malicious software removal tools will keep your system is perfectly insulated from malicious software. I am not saying that you do not need antivirus or antispyware tools. Nevertheless, you should be cautious and take certain safety measures while functioning in an online environment. Following are few easy tips to ensure best practices in the online environment.
Firstly, be careful with your emails. Abstain from opening emails that appear suspicious or are from unknown sources. Use an anti malware tool that scans your email attachments before you download it.
Secondly, abstain downloading files from arbitrary websites. In case you have to download, use your antivirus to scan the file before you open it.
Thirdly, keep your operating system, web browser and email program updated regularly.
Fourthly, do not click on any suspicious links appearing in your instant messages or social media profile, even if it is from a friend. This is because, your friends profile may have been hacked and the hacker may be sending malicious links to other profile via your friends network.
Finally, check your credit statements and online account reports on a regular basis. This will help you notice in case you have been victimised by identity theft crooks.
