It’s really common – you’re just Googling something of interest and all of a sudden, a message pops up to tell you that your computer is infected. The message goes on to say that you need to download some specifically mentioned software to fix the infection AS SOON AS POSSIBLE or your computer will catch fire/electrocute you/wipe out all your files/empty your bank account/etc.
Now, the messages aren’t usually as ridiculous as the one I’ve made up, in fact, they’re usually very convincing and compelling. They are designed to be that way so that you will go ahead and download the software. Of course, once you do, you’ve over-ridden your security software’s ability to protect you and your PC is now infected. Then all hell breaks loose.
So, what you need to be aware of is that the only time legitimate messages warning about infections will pop up is when your security software detects an infection – you will know it is from your security software because it will say the name of the security software at the top of the window that the message came up in. And, it won’t ask you to download any other software.
The other issue is that sometimes people find it impossible to get rid of the message once it has popped up, so in desperation, they end up clicking on the message to get rid of it. Don’t ever do this – if you really can’t get rid of the message, just shut down your computer and restart it again. That might take a bit of time right now, but it’s going to save you a lot more time in the long run!
