Malware… watch out!

The past few weeks have been loaded with activity that none of us need:  removing “malware” from computers in our schools.  Cindy, Gayla and I have been dealing with sporadic malware infections in the district.  What is malware?  Simply put, malware is a category of malicious software intended to pull information off your school or home PC and send it to anonymous users on the Internet.

If you suspect that a “fake security risk” window has popped open on your school (or home) computer, DO NOT CLICK ON IT!  Typically, these malware programs are delivered to your computer via trojans, a form of computer virus that sits silently on your PC until activated by a click or a program from outside on the Internet.  Fake security software in millions of computers_Reuters.com

What can you do about it?  If you suspect that you are receiving a fake security risk window on your workstation here at school, please call the District Technology Office and talk with Gayla or Cindy.  They will help remove the risk from your computer.

At home, we recommend using a program such as Ad-Aware Pro in conjunction with your antivirus program that specifically monitors your computer for intrusion by malware that most antivirus programs may not detect. In the end, be sure to use your common sense and never click on a link or button, if you do not know what the requested action is for.