Tag spyware

Article (PSA‑0004)

If a computer is connected to the Internet it is exposed to a constant stream of files, links, and network traffic. An up‑to‑date **antivirus/antispyware** solution provides the first line of defense by:

• Scanning files in real time as they are downloaded or executed.
• Running scheduled deep scans of the entire drive or selected folders.
• Leveraging constantly‑updated threat definitions and heuristic/AI‑based detection.

Key features you should look for (2025)

• Real‑time protection – automatically blocks malicious code before it runs.
• Scheduled full‑disk scans – weekly or bi‑weekly deep scans.
• Cloud‑based AI/behavioral analysis – catches zero‑day threats that signatures haven’t seen yet.
• Automatic definition updates – at least daily.
• Low system impact – runs efficiently on modern hardware without excessive RAM or CPU usage.

Built‑In Windows Options (Free)

• Windows 10/11 – Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender). Integrated, automatically updated, and provides both antivirus and antispyware protection at no extra cost.
• Windows 7 – Microsoft Security Essentials (no longer supported after Jan 2020). If you are still on Windows 7, upgrade to a supported OS or use a third‑party solution, because Microsoft no longer provides definition updates for Windows 7.

Third‑Party Solutions (When You Need More)

For businesses or users who want additional features (e.g., ransomware‑specific protection, web‑filtering, centralized management), consider reputable vendors such as:

• Bitdefender GravityZone
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security
• SentinelOne
• Maldetect + ClamAV (for Linux/UNIX environments)

Why One Antivirus Is Enough

Running more than one real‑time AV/antispyware engine on the same machine creates problems:

1. Resource contention – Each engine consumes RAM and CPU; the system may start paging to disk, drastically slowing performance.
2. Software conflicts – Two scanners can flag each other as malicious, leading to false positives, constant alerts, or even system instability.
3. Self‑quarantine – One product may quarantine the other’s core files, corrupting the second product and making it difficult to repair.
4. Licensing overhead – Multiple subscriptions increase cost and administrative effort.

In short, **one well‑chosen, continuously updated product plus a firewall** gives you comprehensive protection without the downsides.

How to Detect an Infection

• Frequent pop‑ups, unexpected toolbars, or strange system notifications.
• New icons, programs, or services appearing without your consent.
• Home‑page changes, unwanted redirects, or DNS hijacking.
• System slowdown, frequent freezes, or crashes during routine tasks.
• Unusual outbound network traffic (check with a network monitor or firewall logs).

Step‑by‑Step Response If You Suspect Malware

1. Update definitions – Ensure both AV and antispyware engines have the latest signature database.
2. Run a full system scan – Allow the scan to complete; it may take 30 minutes to several hours depending on data size.
3. Follow the removal instructions – Quarantine or delete the identified items, then reboot if prompted.
4. Re‑scan – After the reboot, run another full scan to confirm the system is clean.
5. Check startup items & scheduled tasks – Use msconfig (Windows) or systemctl (Linux) to verify nothing suspicious is set to launch automatically.
6. Change passwords – If you suspect credential theft, reset passwords on a clean device, especially for email, banking, and admin accounts.
7. Restore from backup (if needed) – If the infection cannot be fully removed, revert to a known‑good backup.

When Professional Help Is Needed

If the malware persists after multiple scans, re‑appears after a reboot, or has caused system instability, you should consult a qualified IT service provider. PSA Computer Services offers a **“no‑fix, no‑pay” guarantee** – you only pay for successful remediation.

Best‑Practice Checklist

• Enable built‑in Windows Defender (or a reputable third‑party solution) with real‑time protection.
• Keep OS and all applications patched – enable automatic updates.
• Schedule weekly full scans and daily definition updates.
• Use a hardware or software firewall with inbound blocking and outbound monitoring.
• Practice safe browsing: avoid unknown links, verify SSL certificates, and use a reputable browser.
• Back up critical data using the 3‑2‑1‑0 rule; test restore procedures quarterly.
• Enable multi‑factor authentication on all cloud accounts.

Bottom Line

No home or business should operate without a modern, regularly updated antivirus/antispyware solution and a firewall. One well‑maintained product, coupled with common‑sense habits (patching, backups, MFA), provides strong protection without the performance penalties and conflicts of running multiple overlapping tools.

Need a Reliable Antivirus Solution or a Clean‑Up?

Call PSA Computer Services at (707) 506‑6228 for a free assessment, installation, or infection remediation. We’ll get you protected quickly and affordably.

Article (PSA‑0002)

Security requirements vary by how a computer is used. For a quick assessment you can split the environment into two categories:

• Online (Internet‑connected) devices – need real‑time threat detection and a firewall.
• Offline (stand‑alone) devices – may need fewer safeguards, but still require some protection if they ever exchange media with other systems.

1️⃣ Online Devices – Core Requirements

Antivirus / Antimalware

A modern, licensed solution that provides both **real‑time** and **scheduled** scanning is essential.

• Real‑time scanning – Monitors files as they are created, downloaded, or executed and blocks known threats instantly.
• Scheduled scanning – Performs a deep scan of the entire drive (or selected folders) on a regular basis (daily, weekly, or monthly) to catch dormant or missed malware.

Built‑in options (2025)

• Windows 10/11 – Microsoft Defender – Free, always‑on, AI‑enhanced, and centrally manageable via Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
• macOS – Xprotect + Gatekeeper – Native malware detection and notarization checks for downloaded apps.
• Linux – ClamAV, Sophos Home for Linux, or commercial EDR agents – Useful for servers or workstations that run Linux.

When to consider a third‑party solution

If you need additional features such as ransomware‑specific protection, web‑filtering, or centralized reporting for multiple endpoints, look at reputable vendors like Bitdefender GravityZone, SentinelOne, or ESET Endpoint Security.

Firewall

A firewall controls inbound and outbound traffic based on a set of rules. Two layers are common:

• Software firewall – Built into the OS (Windows Defender Firewall, macOS Application Firewall, Linux UFW/nftables). It blocks unsolicited inbound connections and can restrict outbound traffic.
• Hardware firewall – The router or a dedicated appliance (e.g., Ubiquiti EdgeRouter, Cisco Meraki, or a commercial NGFW – Next‑Generation Firewall). It adds network‑level filtering and NAT, keeping the entire LAN hidden from the Internet.

For most home users and small businesses the combination of the OS firewall plus the router’s NAT/packet‑filter is more than adequate.

2️⃣ Offline (Never‑Connected) Devices – What to Consider

If a computer truly never touches the Internet and never receives files from another network, you can forego a full‑time antivirus program. However, keep these points in mind:

• Even removable media (USB sticks, external HDDs) can carry malware. Scan any media before it is introduced to an offline system.
• Use a lightweight on‑access scanner (e.g., Windows Defender in “offline scan” mode) for occasional checks.
• Maintain a strict air‑gap policy: keep the device physically separated and disable any wireless adapters.

Why One Security Suite Is Usually Enough

Running multiple antivirus products on the same machine creates more problems than it solves. The most common issues are:

1. RAM depletion – Each engine consumes memory. When RAM runs out the OS starts paging to disk, causing severe slow‑downs.
2. Software conflicts – Two real‑time scanners can flag each other’s activity as malicious, leading to endless alerts and potential system instability.
3. Quarantine of critical files – One product may mistakenly quarantine the other’s core components, leaving both programs corrupted.
4. Administrative overhead – Managing multiple licences, updates, and alert streams is time‑consuming and costly.

For the vast majority of users, **one up‑to‑date antivirus/antispyware product plus a properly configured firewall** provides comprehensive protection.

Practical Checklist – Get Secure in Minutes

• Enable the built‑in OS firewall. Verify that inbound connections are blocked unless you explicitly allow them.
• Install a reputable antivirus. If you’re on Windows 10/11, make sure Microsoft Defender is turned on and receiving updates.
• Schedule a weekly full scan. Set the scan for off‑hours to avoid interrupting work.
• Keep the system patched. Enable automatic OS updates and apply vendor patches for all installed software.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA) on all cloud accounts.
• Back up your data. Apply the 3‑2‑1‑0 rule (see PSA‑0005) and test restores quarterly.
• Limit admin privileges. Operate daily tasks as a standard user; reserve Administrator rights for installs and system changes.

When to Upgrade Your Protection

Consider a more advanced solution if any of the following apply:

• You run a small business with multiple endpoints and need centralized management.
• Ransomware or phishing attacks are a frequent threat in your industry.
• You require application‑aware filtering, IDS/IPS, or secure remote‑access VPNs.
• You must comply with regulations (HIPAA, PCI‑DSS, GDPR) that mandate specific security controls.

Need Professional Help?

If you’re unsure about the right antivirus, firewall configuration, or overall security posture for your home or business, call PSA Computer Services at (707) 506‑6802. We’ll perform a quick health check, recommend a solution that fits your budget, and set everything up so you can work safely.