The worst virus/malware out there right now could devastate your business or home. When infected, you could lose ALL of your important documents, pictures, speadsheets, PDFs, accounting data and more. Not only on the infected computer, but all of your external hard drives, flash drives or files stored on a network or shared computers. In most cases the infection starts with a "click" on an email attachment, link in an email, or a website pop-up. But it can also happen spontaneously on certain infected websites. Mainstream websites like MSN, BBC, AOL, New York Times, NFL, Newsweek, and even Realtor.com were all spreading the virus this week. In many/most cases, all you can do is restore your data from a backup. No Backup - No Data. Backup, Backup, Backup... and then check your backups!!!
One of the biggest computer scams comes through an unusual source, YOUR PHONE. You might get a call from someone claiming to be with "Microsoft" or "Windows", or even "Dell Support". They will tell you that your computer is reporting an error and they must fix the problem. They may have your name and even know your computer serial number or service tag. They will request remote access to your computer and will find all sorts of things wrong, that they will offer to "fix". Of course, it's all a scam.
These people will try and sign you up for a support contract and will gladly take your credit card info and other personal information. While they have control of your computer, they will go through your files and steal your information and even review your Internet history, finding out where you bank or shop.
DO NOT TALK WITH THESE PEOPLE. TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE REPORTING THEM TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND HANG UP!!!
Also DO NOT call phone numbers that pop up on your screen and claim to be technical support.