How Does Malware Get Installed Onto Computers?
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Malware is downloaded
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Malware can be downloaded to your computer through many different ways. The most prevalent way is by being bundled with apparently legitimate software. When the legitimate software is downloaded, the malware attaches itself to the "good" files. Another way malware can be downloaded is through false cookie and cache files that your Internet browser automatically downloads.
Malware Spreads
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Once the malware downloads, it generally stays dormant until something triggers the malware to execute. These triggers can be as simple as runing a specific program or opening an Internet browser. Once the malware is triggered, it generally self-installs somewhere inside your computer's invisible system files. Even if the malware was originally downloaded to a temporary cache folder, once it installs to the system folders, it will be impossible to remove.
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Malware Infects Others
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Many modern malware programs are able to harness the power of local Internet to spread to other computers.The most common way that malware spreads is through e-mail attachments. However, since e-mail virus scanners have become increasingly sensitive, malware has become less effective at spreading this way.
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