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data recovery. To prevent ransomware attacks, regularly update software, use strong security measures,
                  and maintain offline backups of important data.
                  Spyware

                  Spywares  are  programs  which  infect  and  collect  information  of  the  computer  without  the  owner’s
                  knowledge or consent. A spyware generally infects a computer system by getting transmitted through
                  Internet, websites, webpages, e-mails or through network of computers. It intrudes into a computer and
                  quietly steals the data of the computer. In other words, it refers to a kind of software which can track the
                  activities of a computer system and report to the users. Keylogger is an example of a spyware.
                  To prevent the attacks of spyware:
                  l    Use anti-spyware (software)
                  l    Avoid exploring the error dialogs on Internet

                  l    Avoid using free deal offers on Internet
                  l    Enable firewall protection and use browser security features
                  l    Be sure of the authenticity of a desired program before installing it in your computer

                  Spam

                  Spam refers to an unwanted and unsolicited message which is received in the inbox of a person’s e-mail
                  account or in newsgroups. The one who sends the spams is called a Spammer. Generally, spams are sent
                  with an intention to advertise products and services.

                  Symptoms and Effects of a Malware or Virus Infection

                  When virus infects human beings; it damages the body which is evident through certain symptoms. In
                  the similar manner, there are certain symptoms that hint that a computer has been infected by malware
                  or virus, like:
                       Slowdown: Fall in speed of processing of computer.
                  l
                       Pop-ups: Appearance of unexpected pop-ups on the system.
                  l
                       Crash: Frequent crashing of system or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).
                  l
                  l    Running Out of Storage Space: Occupying huge space of storage.
                  l    Loss of File: Abrupt deletion of files of a computer system.
                  l    Unusual activity of messages or programs: Automatic opening or closing of a program, abrupt
                       restarting of a computer and opening of strange or unknown windows during the process of booting.
                  l    Unusual Network Activity: Unusual network activity such as excessive transfer of data even when
                       all the applications are closed.

                  Adware

                  An adware or an ‘advertising supported software’ is an unwanted software that hides on the system and
                  appears in form of pop up advertisement on your screen. They usually get downloaded with the free
                  software. They are usually less harmful than the other types of malware but become very irritating when
                  they appear again and again on your screen, blocking your view and hampering the experience. Until and
                  unless installed without the user’s consent, they are considered to be legal.
                  Adware are created with a purpose of earning money. Every time they are installed, displayed on screen
                  or clicked, the company earns a particular amount of money.

                  To get rid of adware, try to uninstall all the unwanted programs from your machine and run an adware scan.

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