Viruses and Spyware

Virus/Spyware Removal Got a Virus or Spyware problem

As computer viruses and spyware are becoming ever more technical, eradicating them isn’t as easy as simply adding or removing programs.

Instead they can disable your existing antivirus software, fill your screen with pop-ups, add toolbars you don’t even want, mysteriously change your trusted home page to a shopping website, and even stop your PC from working altogether.

In essence they can be seriously debilitating.

This is where IT Support in Brisbane can help. Our dedicated team are experienced in removing all types of:

• Spyware
• Malware
• Trojans
• Browser hackers

Leaving your desktop PC or laptop as good as new. What’s more, in most cases all of your data remains intact too.

We use the latest digital tools to scan your PC for viruses and remove all traces of any infections. In some cases when viruses are unable to be removed, we’ll often carry out a fresh install.

Whatever it takes, we’ll make sure your PC is virus or spyware free. Here’s a little more information about the types of problems that can occur.

Ransomware

This is the latest type of problem to hit cyber-space and is usually initiated by cyber-criminals looking to extract money. Some of the most recent types of ransomware to hit Australia are the Cryptolocker and Ukash viruses.

Typically a user will log into their computer/laptop and after the regular start-up screen they’ll see a notice stating that either all files have been encrypted or the computer has been remotely locked. In either case, criminals will demand sums of money to release the problem, usually in the region of $1000 – $6000. Hence the name ransomware.

Viruses

In essence, viruses are software programs written by individuals that are designed to be spread from one PC to another. They attach themselves to your files, applications, or operating systems. Most are simply annoying, utilising pop-ups, but in some cases they can be damaging, deleting key files and/or encrypting any documents you have.

Malware

This is a broad term which equates to any spyware, trojans, ransomware, worms, adware or virus. Malware is usually carried in free software which the user intentionally downloads and normally disrupts the computer’s operation.

This makes your machine difficult, if not impossible to use.

Spyware

This is software that’s been inadvertently installed on your computer and is designed specifically to capture data. It may be something as innocuous as a list of the websites you’ve visited, but in extreme cases criminals can gather sufficient information to capture keystrokes that might give away passwords to bank details and bank accounts.

Trojans

Trojans can be extreme in the fact that they act as a way in for others to access your PC/laptop remotely. The good news is that they don’t attempt to propagate any of your files, but they can corrupt or delete data and crash your computer.

Browser hijacking

As the name suggests browser hijackers automatically modify your web-browser settings and make changes without permission. Often it replaces an existing home page or search engine page with its own and is used to force hits to a particular website. Most browser hijacking is relatively easy to reverse, but some can be more tricky.

Malicious adware

Even though normal adware can be annoying it doesn’t usually cause any problems. However malicious adware is different. It will continuously display unwanted ads to the user through applications which are often running in the background. Most malicious adware is a security threat, but in even the most extreme cases it can be removed.