We all worry about computer viruses. Search the Internet and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of horror stories about how a computer virus harmed an individual or caused irreparable damage to a business. While it’s true that computer viruses can cause serious problems for both individuals and businesses that aren’t properly prepared, it’s important to keep a level head when dealing with these sorts of problems.
As Orange County’s premier computer repair service, we hear from a lot of people who have received phone calls about viruses on their computer. These calls come from someone claiming to be from a respected company such as Microsoft, Dell, or Norton Anti-Virus. The caller states that the user has a virus and offers assistance to resolve the problem. They usually ask for a credit card or PayPal information to purchase security programs. They may even ask for remote access to the user’s computer. This is an extremely successful and common scam.
It’s important to remember that Microsoft, Dell, Norton, Facebook, and other companies will not contact you if you have a virus on your computer. The people making these phone calls are scam artists. They use your fear of computer viruses to make a profit and/or collect sensitive information.
Learning how to recognize these types of scams is the best way to stop them. If people no longer provide these companies with the information or money they desire, they simply will not exist anymore.
Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses
The best way to ensure you’re properly protected from computer viruses and the damage they cause is by purchasing a quality anti-virus program from a respected source. Keep in mind that attackers create new viruses all the time. That’s why it’s important to complete all necessary updates on your software. This helps protect your computer from newer viruses and other malicious attacks.
In addition to installing quality anti-virus software, it’s a good idea to back up your data. This helps ensure you always have access even if an attack occurs.
If you’ve fallen victim to this common scam, you’re not alone. However, it’s important to learn how to avoid it in the future. Please contact us for more information about protecting your computer from viruses and malware.
