Computer users have been inundated with warnings about viruses for years. Those dastardly, scheming bits of code that covertly enter a PC, and then perform the most nefarious of tasks – up to and including infecting the computers of all the people in the resident address book. Virus infestations of computers have been responsible for shutting down entire companies, vast networks, government offices, and even the Internet.



After years of being cautioned regarding computer virus infestations, other types of unsavory and undesirable contaminants started to appear. As more and more threats arrived and received names, categories of threats had to be created. Today, the lexicon of nasty computer denizens is too vast for even the Geekiest of Geeks to fully know. To simplify the process of communication, a new general terms was born: 'malware.' Logically enough, it simply stands for 'malicious software.'

When the term malware was coined, it was to cover everything not previously named, but today, it is rapidly becoming an acceptable moniker for any software or program or macro or bho (browser helper object) that performs harmful processes to the host computer. This new nomenclature has made it much easier to communicate, but it has also left something of a hole in the general public's knowledge of protecting their computer system. For example, if anti-virus software is installed on a computer, is it safe from malware? The answer, by the way, is a resounding 'no.'

There are entirely too many types of malware, with way too many destructive tasks at their cores to mention in one article – indeed, in one book. That's another way of saying that it is impossible to keep up with all the new malware releases. Fortunately for us mere mortals, the 'anti-hackers' stand steadfast at the gates of our PCs, ever vigilant for the newest attacks, and the ways to combat them. The 'anti-hackers,' by the way are those geeks who have not turned to the darkside. Without them, we'd be in the computer dark ages.

Malware comes and goes. It appears, the geeks or software protection companies find a 'fix,' and that's that. One piece of particularly irritating, as well as harmful, malware appeared a while back. One of the more notorious pieces of this malicious code was dubbed "Cryzip." The name actually has roots. This type of malicious software locates a group of files on your computer, zips them with a password and then insists on a ransom payment for the safe return of your files – that's when you 'cry.' The term encompassing all of these types of software is 'ransomware.' Hardly as creative

The first generations of ransomware were relatively easy for authorities to stop. The person whose files were kidnapped was instructed to deposit money into an account – anywhere from $50-300.00.

The newest generation of ransomware is trickier, and harder to stop. The computer is infected by a bad email, email attachment, or by visiting a website which downloads the unsavory code. The files being held will only be released when a certain dollar figure of purchases are made at a selected website, and then proof of those purchases is forwarded as instructed. I told you it was irritating. But when the vast majority of the worthwhile and/or valuable files from your computer are at stake, well – that's the point.

The names of a couple of these new ransomware gems are 'Archiveus' and 'Troj/Ransom-A.' Both It infect your system in the traditional manners listed above. Here are a few basic rules for staying safer on the Internet:

• Don't open mail from unfamiliar address or names.

• Don't open attachments unless you're sure! (Your friend's system might be infected, and his computer is automatically sending you an email to infect your system too.)

• Set your email reader to read all mail in PLAIN TEXT. (This is GREAT security!)

• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and running – including email scanning.

HELP IS POSSIBLE

If you do get infected with a chunk of Ransomware, try visiting: http://del.icio.us/ and search on "ransomware." It will give you the latest on the problems, and their fixes.

You might also consider installing a very nice piece of freeware called bhodemon. You can download a copy here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3550.html. It's free, and it's amazingly effective. Install it, which takes about a minute, and then it will scan your system for browser helper objects and give you a report of the ones you have – and whether you should remove them. If you download this and like it, consider sending a dollar or two to the Geeks who developed it. We helpless computer users would be lost without their tireless and helpful efforts.

In closing, I want to emphasize once again what an effective security step it is to set your email reader to read all mail in PLAIN TEXT. This prevents code from running when you open an email. On the downside, you don't get to see graphics or photos, or colors, or type faces. Small price to pay so that I don't end up with a kidnapping note staring back at me from the screen.