Several legitimate websites have come under attack from hackers who have modified the programming code of these websites.  The hackers do this to distribute malware to unsuspecting users who visit the site. When a user visits an infected site, an invisible connection is established to a remote server, which can then attempt to install malware on the user’s computer. The intention could be to generate spam, or possibly something more sinister, such as stealing personal information e.g. bank account or credit card details.

In 2008, several high-profile websites were targeted, including USA Today, ABC News, Target and Wal-Mart.  Many popular travel and recreational websites have also been compromised. Visiting one of these infected websites could have resulted in the user’s computer being infected.

We suggest installing software called AVAST which has proven over the past months to detect the infections.  AVAST is free for the personal user, and AVAST has recently detected compromised websites for a number of Government sites in the US, including the United States Forest Service, the US International Trade Commission and the websites of several embassies around the world.

AVAST! antivirus will detect and block access to any website that is infected by this threat and will display a warning that a virus has been detected. If Avast! displays this warning, you should discontinue your attempt to connect to that particular website.

Call Computer Care Associates (508-370-8080) to either review your computer if you suspect a virus or malware infection problem, and/or to work with you to install crucial protection for your particular circumstances. No matter what software you use on your computer system, it is essential that your computer has antivirus protection. 

Be prepared before your computer is infected.  It may never happen, but it is better to put some safeguards in place – think of it as “your assurance that your computer is insured” from an attack from possible internet hackers.