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Most of the computers that come in to GoGeeks are infected with some type of computer virus - So we think it's best to inform our customers as best we can to prevent future PC virus infections!  
Where Do Computer Viruses Come From?
 
Computer viruses don't just come out of thin air, they are created by computer programmers for a specific purpose - usually to help commit identity theft. They can do this by creating a PC virus that goes into your computer, monitors your activity and even captures your key strokes on your keyboard. That means they are able to record what keys you enter when typing in passwords, credit card numbers or other vital information. They can then use this information to steal your money or even your identity! Computer viruses generally come from various types of downloads from the internet, but they often hide themselves in these downloads and links so you have no clue they are there. Many viruses are spread through email attachments like funny images, greeting cards, and random links and also from downloading audio files. 
 


 
THE MOST COMMON PC PLAGUE - THE ROGUE SECURITY PROGRAM 

Rogue Security Programs work so well because computer programmers are being tricky. They create legitimate looking pop-ups usually advertising some type of anti-virus software, asking you to take some sort of action like clicking on the
pop-up or accepting the "recommended" upgrade or software they are advertising. By clicking on the ad you are either being involved in a fraudulent transaction, or downloading the virus to your computer. Once downloaded the Rogue Security Program can steal your personal information, install other malware that goes undetected as it steals all of your data, riddle you with constant fake pop-ups, severely slow down your computer, corrupt your files so you cannot open them, and even erase your entire hard drive - where you store all of your important data!
THE FBI VIRUS 

 The FBI virus is a type of Rogue Security Program and it is becoming more and more prevalent today. You may have seen our recent emails about this virus and the damage it causes. This virus attacks your computer by hiding itself in a link or download that you may click on, and once installed to your computer you will see a pop-up taking up the whole screen that says you are in violation of Federal law (downloading illicit content, or being involved in other illegal online activity) - and you must pay them $200 or your computer will remain locked and you will be brought up on criminal charges.
 Because of the legitimacy of the pop-up, people have been paying the fine, allowing these programmers to not only steal their money, but their personal information as well. Aside from stealing, this virus freezes the computer in that fashion, causing it to lose its functionality almost immediately!


Watch out for these pop-ups! If you think you have been infected with the FBI virus or another Rogue Security Program, it is best to power down your PC, unplug it, and bring it to GoGeeks to have the virus removed! 
 
Spotting Computer Viruses
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Besides Obvious Pop-Up's Your Computer Could Be Giving You Other Signs That it is Infected...

  • PC runs MUCH slower than usual
  • Receiving a lot more SPAM emails 
  • Receiving strange error messages you've never seen before.
  • Your internet is running extremely slow
  • Certain programs won't load completely or at all
  • When you connect to the internet & it brings up numerous different browsers or
  • When you are on the internet and it brings you to a webpage you did not request
Preventing Computer Viruses

 

 

Viruses Are Not 100% Avoidable, But Here Are a Few Rules to Live By to Lower Your Chances... 
  • Install a credible anti-virus software program that includes Firewall and Anti-Spyware - it is important to keep this on and updated!
  • Perform all system and Windows updates.
  • Use CAUTION when clicking on any links or emails - Especially when clicking on unfamiliar links
  • Educate yourself on the most common viruses and latest phishing scams so you can avoid them in the future! 

 GOGEEKS CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL 

 
"Stan & the GoGeeks Crew are life savers. They have saved me a number of times but the first time was the worst. I was a victim of the "Rogue Security Program" that mimicked my original Antivirus system. I clicked on it, and it told me that my computer had dozens of viruses. I even bought the actual virus thinking that it was the antivirus fix. Needless to say I paid them money to infect my computer. GoGeeks to the rescue, and Stan told me to cancel the credit card that was used to order this trojan and I shipped my computer to your office. Thanks for your skillfull diagnosis and all of your Malware alerts - I won't be scammed again. Keep up the Superheroic work."
-- Sonya

LOVE GOGEEKS? THAN TELL US! SEND YOUR TESTIMONIAL TO OUR EMAIL ADDRESS "GEEKS@GOGEEKS.COM" OR CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR FAN MAIL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE!

 

Haley's Hints
Real Computer Tips, From a Real Person

 
We need to log-in to so many different programs on our computer that we don't even realize sometimes the amount of passwords we have. It is important to keep track of user names and passwords for all of your important programs. We suggest keeping track of these passwords in a notebook or Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. If you record your log-in information every time you create a new profile, you are ensuring that you can access your data whenever you need to. Also, if you end up needing computer repair, it makes it easier on everyone if you have the log-ins for all of your important programs so that we can re-install those programs for you more efficiently. Although it is important to record your passwords so you never forget them, we do recommend that you change passwords for some programs, like PayPal or online banking, frequently for security reasons. Taking the extra time to do these things will save you from panic later!

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