Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. Early forms of malware were used to wreck and destroy software, programs, and computer much like a vandal. In fact that is pretty much what it is "cyber vandalism". These days Malware can still be used for such purposes and sometimes is. One of the most common use is spamming these days: the act of pushing ad after ad at you even though you closed the window six times in the last five seconds (could be looked at as like the tags that vandals leave behind). They basicly just don't want to take no for an answer which only turns your internet experience into a frustrating one. Another common use is spying on people, programs used to watch and track the users internet use, sometimes even sensitive materials like your bank account information, your credit card info, or your social security number. There are a number of different uses for malware, and all serve only to aid the one who made the program. Most Malware usually proves to be quite harmful to the victim.
Ways you can protect yourself from Malware are:
Make certain you have a Antivirus, Firewall, pop up blocker, and anti spyware installed to protect you and your computer. Do not open links that you are not certain of and that have been proven unsafe. Be cautious, however don't be overly frightened. In otherwords don't let it prevent you from enjoying the internet, but do practice safe internet habits. Do not open emails from people you don't know. If you do, know that you do so at a risk. Remember to use software from reputable vendors.
Some vendors that offer protection from Malware are:
www.biggeekdaddy.com/protection.html
www.sharewareupdate.com/programs/malware_protection
www.topshareware.com/malware-protection/downloads/1. htm
www.newfreedownloads.com/find/malware.html
www.stop-sign.com
www.microsoft.com/security/portal
www.Best-RegistryCleaner.org
www.SpywareTerminator.com
www.MalwareRemovalBot.com
www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/phishing-protection
www.sunbeltsoftware.com
Basicly it is best to assume that the malware is there before you click on a site eiher embedded by accident or on purpose doesn't matter. If it is there, know it is a threat, and you should be ready with your anti-malware just in case. If you don't have an antivirus, anti-malware, firewall and other such protections, it is probably safe to assume you have no business on the internet till you do, and if you do venture forth, you do so at your own risk and at the risk of the computer you are using.
It is a good idea to check your computer before and after signing onto the internet. Your computer could have picked something up last time you were on and it may not show up until after you have rebooted your computer, so you want to do a scan the moment you log onto your computer. Always check your computer right after getting off the internet, that way you have a better chance of being able to turn on your computer the next time you come back to your computer and a possible chance of getting rid of it right away.
Make certain you trust the site before you download material, software, and/or programs from it. Be careful of offers that seem just to good to be true, it could be a trap used to bait and hook you. Don't skim through the licensing agreement-Read it. You should pay particularly close attention to words and phrases indicating that authorizes the transmission of data and/or information to third parties.
You should make certain that the security settings on your browser are set accordingly to keep out intruders. You wouldn't leave your home unprotected. Your computer is just as important, because it has your history on it, who you are, where you visit, your financial information, and other such things that may be important.
Also a good idea is to unplug your computer from the internet when you are not using it.