Security for computer networks comes in many forms.Often the most troublesome and frequently encountered are malware infections (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, etc.). Unfortunately, during my initial meetings with prospective clients I still find workstations with expired antivirus software or no protection at all. Malware, like hard drive failures, can make workstations inoperable but all data can also be lost. Many techs will only work so long on resolving infections before they suggest reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system. Maybe they are just giving up but if you are being paid by the hour, it is the better part of valor to start from scratch rather than keep charging your customer for a server when you don’t have or know the solution. On the other hand, there are technology firms that focus solely on virus eradication (at all costs) and data recovery, but be prepared to pay the price if you absolutely need your workstation and data intact. This might be a time to lecture about hard drive backups or imaging but that is not a good method for establishing a good working relationship.
In this day and age of growing security needs, the list of old and new malware removal companies is never ending so there is never a reason for a person to be without virus protection. Professionally, I don’t recommend free antivirus solutions (I don’t scold my mother-in-law for using AVG Free Edition) because most free versions of software offer no support or are only limited (restricted) versions. The most popular free antivirus programs are AVG Free Edition, Comodo Internet Security, and Avast Free AntiVirus. One exception to the premise, that free software provides no support or is a restricted version of the paid client, is Microsoft’s Security Essentials, http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/. Microsoft offers this antivirus client for standalone computers with support and the promise of offering a good stable product; if you are looking for an antivirus client this might be worth a try. If you are looking for these and other free or trial antivirus and other downloadable utilities, I suggest becoming familiar with CNET’s Download.com which offers a vast array of spyware free/trial utilities to try. In addition, CNET offers several good spyware removal tools including: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware, and SuperAntispyware Free Edition.
Last note: Often, I’m asked to define the difference from viruses, spyware, Trojans, and other malware. I don’t always make a true distinction between the various types of malware other than, “Do I have a tool to remove it quickly to minimize client down time?” Sophos has published a paper, “A to Z of Computer Security Threats”, which gives a good definition of the various malware types which you may find interesting. For your convenience, we have posted the PDF file on our SkyDrive site for you to download. In addition, I’ve also included Trend Micro’s white paper on understanding and protecting against Fake (hoax) Antivirus infections.
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