Tag Archive for: VIRUSES
Does a Factory Reset Remove Viruses?
Viruses and other malware are an unfortunate reality of the modern age. If your phone or computer has fallen prey to them, one of the recommended solutions is doing a factory reset. But will it make your device safe again?
Before we discuss whether a factory reset is helpful in case of a malware infection, it’s a good idea to understand what a factory reset entails on a device.
What Is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset is an option found in many modern electronic devices, including computers and smartphones, that allows you to revert the device’s operating system (OS) and drivers to their original state. It also returns all settings to their default state and removes any programs or files that didn’t come with the device. That said, in the case of computers, you get the option to keep the files. But if you are resetting your system to remove viruses, you should delete everything after backing up any critical files.
Interestingly, the factory reset moniker suggests your device will return to the same state when it was shipped to you or when you bought it. But that isn’t always technically true, particularly in the case of phones and tablets that have gotten an upgraded operating system.
For example, suppose you attempt to use the factory reset option on a phone or tablet that has received an upgraded OS. In that case, your device will return to a fresh install of the current OS on the device, not its original operating system. But it’ll work the same way for any malware infection as an actual factory reset would work.
RELATED: Does Your Computer Have a Virus? Here’s How to Check
Is a Factory Reset Helpful in Removing Viruses?
You can get rid of pretty much all viruses and other malware by doing a factory reset. By returning the OS to its original state, the factory reset option unwittingly removes any infected programs or files on your device. It’s the nuclear option, but it works, except in some very rare cases.
Each year, viruses become more sophisticated, and cybercriminals are finding new ways to infect unsuspecting devices. So, you may encounter trojans and rootkits that can survive a factory reset, but it’s relatively rare….
Scams and Viruses: Which Email Attachments Are Safe to Open? | Woodruff Sawyer
If an attacker manages to get an employee to download and open a malicious file sent as an email attachment, the door will be opened for a variety of incredibly damaging scenarios for your business: data theft, fraudulent wire transfers, and leaking of confidential information are just a few of the possibilities. Given what’s at stake, it’s not an overstatement to say that email security is more important than ever.
Although it may be tempting to simply ask what types of email attachments are generally safe to open, the answer isn’t so straightforward.
Let’s start with some common warning signs of an email that may harbor a malicious threat.
Filenames with Double Extensions
Giving a misleading filename to an email attachment is not a new tactic by any means, but you’d be surprised how often hackers continue to get away with it. This can be as simple as adding what appears to be a harmless file type extension just before the actual extension with hopes of the potential victim overlooking it with a cursory glance.
For example, naming an .exe file something like file.txt.exe to make it appear as a .txt file is a common method. It’s relatively easy for someone to hover over the file, see a .txt in small letters on the screen somewhere in the name, and assume it’s okay to open.
Suspicious Sender Addresses
Another favorite tactic from hackers involves masking their email addresses with fake ones that appear to be official. This can be in the form of a first and last name, or the name of a company, such as Facebook. However, when you click on the sender’s details, you’ll see the sender’s address is something entirely different. Fake sender address emails are notorious for encouraging recipients to click on a link or download a supposedly safe attachment.
Unwanted Offers
Sometimes a fake offer in the form of a deal or giveaway from what appears to be a well-known company can make it past your email host’s spam filters. These emails typically have links that redirect you to a fake website that attempts to lure you into submitting your login credentials. However, some still come with email attachments containing misleading names.
It’s also not uncommon to…
