Slow computers are often the result of a malware-laden hard drive. Cyber criminals spread viruses in a number of ways, but one of the most popular is using fake Adobe updates and other malicious PDF files to take control of computers.
Slow computers are often the result of a malware-laden hard drive. Cyber criminals spread viruses in a number of ways, but one of the most popular is using fake Adobe updates and other malicious PDF files to take control of computers. A recently discovered strain of malware uses a fake Adobe update to overwrite software, especially antivirus programs, to prevent the program from seeking updates. This malware is especially powerful because even after it is removed, the programs it alters are so damaged that they will likely be unable to update themselves down the road. "They will lose the auto-updating functionality of whatever software is affected even after the malware is cleaned up," Rik Ferguson, a security analyst for Trend Micro, told Network World. "That could of course leave them open to exploitation further down the line if critical vulnerabilities don't get patched as a result." Another new strain of malware uses PDFs to spread its virus. A message claiming to be from Facebook informs the recipient that they must change their password by following instructions on the PDF attached to the email. Users are advised that Facebook does not require users to change login information in this way.
