halloween edition 10122017

Once they're on your computer, they have plenty of options. You might see friends replying to email messages
you didn't send. Perhaps you notice a post on your Facebook profile you didn't write.
In most cases, these will have a tempting link. If your friends and family click the link, they're infected and the
virus spreads even further.
Keep an eye on your email "sent" folder and on your social network posts. If you see items you didn't send or
post, change your account passwords immediately. This will lock out a virus that's stolen your passwords.
Then go to work with your security software. After you've removed the virus, I'd change your passwords again,
just in case.
Be sure to let your friends and family know you were hacked. That way they can take precautions for their
accounts as well.
LOCKED COMPUTER
Having trouble taking back your account from a virus or hacker?
You're surfing the Web minding your own business. Suddenly a scary message appears. It says law enforcement
has detected illegal material on your computer. You've been locked out until you pay a fine!
Of course it's a lie. A virus has taken over and is holding your computer ransom. That's why it's commonly called
"ransomware."
Some ransomware doesn't even try to be sneaky. It tells you up front that hackers took over your system. You
have to pay to get it back.
I don't recommend paying. You won't get your computer back.
Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to run your normal anti-virus program. You'll need a rescue CD. AVG
Rescue CD or Windows Defender Online are two that could take care of the problem.
In some cases, the ransomware actually encrypts your files. If that happens, you better have a recent backup. Even
if you get rid of the virus, your files might be lost.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS AND PROGRAMS STOP WORKING
If a computer is misbehaving, most computer users hit Ctrl + Alt + Del. The "three-finger salute" lets you open up
Task Manager. This can show you what programs are causing trouble.
Sometimes, you'll hit this keyboard shortcut and nothing happens. Your Start Menu won't open. Nothing happens
when you right-click on the desktop. Your security software won't run.
This is often a clue that a virus is messing with your computer. It's doing what it can to keep you from identifying
it and removing it.
This is where deep-cleaning anti-malware software like MalwareBytes will shine. If that fails, you'll need to use a
rescue CD like I mentioned earlier.
If nothing you do works, it could also be a hardware problem. Most likely it's bad RAM or a failing power
supply.
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