One of the most annoying things about the Internet is that if you are not careful with what you do, download or open up you run the risk of getting infested with hundreds of different types of malware. The question arises how exactly does malware find its way onto your computer?
Malware can find itself being downloaded onto your computer a number of different ways. Here is a look at the common ways that viruses, spyware and worms can find their way onto your computer.
Infested Websites. Many websites will often mask themselves as legitimate but when a computer user goes to visit the site it will automatically start downloading dozens of malware onto the computer at one time. This is why it is recommended that you only visit websites that you trust and know are safe.
Email Attachments. Many different types of viruses and computer worms can hide themselves in various email attachments. When the computer user downloads the attachment the malware gets into the computer and starts to infect it.
Fake Links. Sometimes emails will be sent to computer users and describe themselves as well known companies. Inside the email there is a link to visit a website. The problem is that the links lead to infested websites that will download malware onto your computer.
Video Downloads. When a computer user watches a video online it requires the computer to temporarily download the video to be able to view it. Sometimes malware can be attached to those videos so that when the video is opened it starts downloading itself.
Infected Programs. This is very similar to the video format. A computer user downloads a computer program that they assume is legitimate and along with the program they also download a number of malware files that will be released onto the system the minute that the program is opened up.