According to a major research firm made up of eighty computer virus professionals there were 525 top listed viruses in the wild in June, 2007. On top of that there were 1958 viruses in the wild that aren't as prevalent, but still pose a danger. Source

These viruses are worldwide, and aren't just aimed at large corporations. If you downloaded software from the internet, shared information between computers (even from trusted friends), or opened emails with attachments (even from friends) your computer is in danger of getting a virus.

To make matters worse: It's not all about viruses anymore. People have found other ingenious ways to attack you, annoy you, gather your personal information, and force you to see their ads. These types of attacks (including viruses) are called Malware, and they can take many forms other than just the common virus. Some of the most common types are:

• Spyware Definition
• Adware Definition
• Hijackers Definition
• Toolbars Definition

Another way that clever people have found to get your information is using fake emails from trusted people and companies asking you for information. Called "phishing," this technique is growing very common, and is very dangerous. If you suspect you've received a phishing email give My Online Rescue a call. We can help you to verify whether an email is phishing for information or not.

So how can you tell if your computer has been infected? Like when people get a virus there are symptoms that help you know when your computer is sick. Some common symptoms are:

• Your computer is running slower than it used to.
• You're getting errors when you start your computer.
• A toolbar shows up at the top of your Internet Explorer window that you didn't ask to be installed.
• You're getting a lot of pop-up ads when you surf the Internet.
• Your Internet homepage changed, but you didn't change it.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, or if you suspect your computer is infected for another reason, give us call to find out how we can help.

If you're concerned about your computer getting infected My Online Rescue has solutions to help protect your computer, your data, and YOU!!