It's Computer Virus Season - Take Precautions

It's Computer Virus Season

Happy??? Monday Everyone!

I have something I wanted to share with everyone this morning so they are aware of a very serious threat to your computer. This isn’t a hoax. You can check it out and read the blog post here:
Two weeks ago my computer was infected by Ransomware. Ransomware is a virus that gets into your computer.

There are a couple types of ransomeware:

1. One encrypts all your files so you cannot access them. Then you will typically get a ransom note to get your files back.
2. One type will prevent you from Accessing Windows.
3. Another type will stop certain apps from running (like your web browser or software on your computer.)

Ransomware can come from just about any location:

1. Websites and locations that other viruses and Malware come from
2. Visiting unsafe, or suspicious websites.
3. Opening emails and/or attachments from people you don't know
4. Clicking on malicious or bad links in emails, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media posts, instant messenger chats, like Skype.

I never received any ransom note, however, and by the time I realized i had this virus, my computer had backed up to my online storage and then that also became infected. So Bitdefender had me create a file that they reviewed, then I COMPLETELY restored my computer to the original state (meaning all programs and software have to be reinstalled), and then Carbonite helped me by going to an earlier backup of my computer that was not infected

The software I use for antivirus is BitDefender Total Security. This is not supposed to happen when you have an antivirus solution. You are supposed to be safe from all the computer gremlins and viruses. You pay good money for this security, right?

On November 1 my computer became infected. On November 2nd, after several hours with Bit Defender’s ‘smart people”, they told me they would have it fixed in 24-48 hours. It is now TWO weeks later and I am still dealing with them.

The “funny thing” (ha ha), was the day that I called them, they ramped up their Ransomware detection in their Antivirus program. Yeah, for one of us, that was just a little bit too late!

Today, again, I have written to them and chatted with them. They assure me that my request is receiving top priority, yet the 24-48 hours has passed and still no help.

Carbonite is my online backup system. They were absolutely FABULOUS about returning to me, uninfected files. It took 5 days to restore my computer, but all my files came back and all were clean. I highly recommend Carbonite for your backup company. It’s automated and customer service is the Bomb!

I am wondering if there is any type of compensation for all the work I have not been able to do since I didn’t have the files and the virus is still there? There must be some way they should have to compensate me for my time, Loss of wages, etc. Probably not worth the effort though.

But, my advice from this situation is to open your Antivirus program and be absolutely certain that it has a Vulnerability and/or Ransomware capability. If not, drop ‘em like a bad habit and find someone who does. You can’t afford to be missing files or passing the virus on to clients, friends (or anyone for that matter).

To save you some time, I went to PC Magazine’s Review of the Best Antivirus Programs.

Their Top 5 Antivirus Programs are:

1. McAfee Antivirus Plus (2017)
2. Webroot Security Anywhere
3. BitDefender
4. Norton
5. Kapersky

Of these programs, however, Webroot and Norton do NOT have the Bonus: Vulnerability Scan option.

Whichever program you have, don’t let it get out of date. New viruses come along every day and you cannot afford to be without the very best in protection.