What Is a Malware Warning?
A malware warning is something issued by malware protection programs to let the user know a malware attack is occurring. Anti-virus and anti-malware programs with preventive abilities can pick up on these attacks after the user has opened or activated an unsafe program or file. After informing the user that malware is present, further instructions are usually needed, although the process is automated. This means that after anti-virus and anti-malware programs detect the threat, they will ask the user to delete the file, quarantine it, or dismiss it.
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Malware
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Malware has little to no definitive definition; rather, it is a collection of several categories of malicious software. These include spyware, which try to steal user information; adware, which are programs that install or display advertisements; hijackers, which divert browsers to unsafe or other sites without permission, and many others. Malware are dangerous because they can potentially damage or harm computer systems resulting in slow processor speeds, slow Internet connections, and even worse, identity theft of the user.
Web Browsers
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As malware becomes more dangerous, web browser utilities are now diverting more attention and resources to addressing the problem. New web browser updates for Internet Explorer and Firefox for example, have added security features that prevent phishing, hijacking, and adware. Phishing is when the user is sent to an identical but fake website in order to steal personal information and hijacking is when they are redirected to unsafe website which may contain malware. Pop-up blockers prevent some adware and have become virtually standard among all web browsers.
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Detection
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When a web browser or anti-malware program detects a threat, it immediately lets the user know before taking further action. In cases of web browsing, the target site is stopped from loading and the user is told that the site is potentially unsafe. It is up to the user to proceed or return to a previous page. For malware that tries to install itself on the computer, the malware or anti-virus program will bring up a separate window. Then the program blocks or deletes the attempt with the user's permission.
Prevention/Solution
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Because malware includes many types of programs, applications, and threats, one anti-virus or anti-malware program may not prevent all of them. Anti-virus programs have always focused on deleting threats that install onto the computer, but have recently expanded to include preventative utilities too. However, malware programs dedicated to malware prevention are regarded as more efficient. But having a combination of both significantly increases the chance of minimizing a threat.
Tips
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Many malware warnings can be easily prevented by proper Internet etiquette. For example, downloading from websites rampant with advertising banners and pop-ups could be a clue to the website being unsafe. You should also refrain from downloading free programs and applications because they are usually malware attacks in disguise. Unfortunately, malware can still reach the computer even if you don't agree to download anything. Staying away from suspicious websites helps the most.
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