Connections

Issue 2 • Volume 3 • April 10

CORPORATE UPDATES

The Malware Threat
By Cortney Christensen, IT Help Desk assistant manager

Cortney Christensen

Malware is software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. The expression “malware” encompasses a variety of malicious, intrusive or annoying software, including computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and other unwanted programs.

Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through “drive-by” exploits just by visiting the Web site. Music lyric sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children) and adult-oriented sites are some of the worst offenders. On a company computer, it is essential to only visit Web sites that are trustworthy, reputable and business related.

Malware may appear in the guise of a virus scan showing multiple infections on your computer and may prompt you to purchase additional virus protection. Clicking on any part of this window, including the Cancel or Close buttons, may install the malware on your computer. If you have one of these solicitations pop up on the screen, press the ‘Alt’ and the ‘F4’ keys at the same time to close the active window.

There isn’t a single anti-virus program out there that is 100 percent foolproof. If you aren’t careful, your computer is bound to become infected at one point or another.

The OMG Help Desk is equipped to remove the vast majority of malware threats. Contacting the Help Desk as soon as possible can mean the difference between getting the computer cleaned of all infections and you back to work, or losing valuable time, money and data.

You can contact the OMG Help Desk by calling (866) 259-3362 (option 1) or by e-mailing OMGHelpdesk@oldcastlematerials.com. The Help Desk is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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