The A,B,Cs of how to attack the "Personal Antivirus 2008"

So you're working away at your computer when suddenly a pop-up error message occurs do you:

A) Disregard the message and keep typing only to be bothered by the message over and over again.

B) Go to your start-up menu and start removing all your programs.

C) Call your area computer network specialist to discover your computer could be infected by the Personal AntiVirus 2008.

If you answered C, you're correct. So what happens if you do in fact think your computer network has been compromised by the Personal AntiVirus 2008? Or if alas, you don't have a computer network specialist at your fingertips?

First off ... What is the "Personal AntiVirus 2008"?

The Personal Virus 2008, is a counterfeit antispyware that can compromise your computer. It usually rears it's ugly head once it gains entry into your system. Once in your system, the Personal Antivirus 2008 normally generates fake and misleading system pop up error messages so end-users will be tricked into purchasing the fake XP Antivirus 2008. To further encourage you to purchase the product, pop-ups sprout up alerting you that you have a ton of infections and numerous problems with your computer and that you should buy their product to fix it. Once purchased, the fake programs usually look like a legitimate program, with a title bar and a splash screen labeling itself “Personal Antivirus 2008” or something else that sounds legitimate. It's easy to see how so many computer users get tricked.

How Can Your Computer Be Cleansed of the Virus?

According to the Network Technicians at MDL Technology LLC, there are many variations of AntiVirus 2008: (including AV XP, AV 2009, etc) to look for currently. All variations can be troublesome to remove if the proper protection was not installed on the computer in the first place. Malwarebytes.org does a good job of removing if the infection has not gotten to deep into the OS, but stronger tactics may need to be used to remove stronger threats.

Important Things To Know Before Purging the Virus

Malwarebytes is very simple to download and run, the problem is much of the time the infection blocks Internet access to either all websites or just certain security related websites that might be used to remove them. Also once installed many of these infections have a list of executable files that they will not allow to run, in an attempt to preserve the infection. In these cases it will be necessary to consult a professional like MDL Technology LLC.

If you decide to run MalwareBytes, it's good to know a couple of things:

1) When and where to allow the malware to make changes within your system?

2) Which files on your system are critical to its functioning? Are these files the ones that are infected?

3) When should you call a professional to help ensure you properly eradicate the virus from your entire network system?

Still have questions? Contact the tech team at MDL Technology LLC today to learn more.

MDL Technology, LLC is a Kansas City-based company that creates computer networking solutions to help make running a business easier. We partner with companies to design, build and install network systems to fit the needs of their organization. Once up and running, we train their associates and keep the network running smoothly to help meet the needs of the company. Our number one goal is to help our clients be successful.

Why Should A Business Owner Outsource Their IT Needs?

To outsource or not to outsource, that is the question many businesses are currently facing when it comes to satisfying their IT needs. In a recent article in the Kansas City Star, many companies are seeing many advantages to outsourcing. Often times, small to medium-sized businesses choose to outsource their IT department because the want a variable cost model for the company instead of instead of a fixed cost structure that's created when hiring an in-house IT department.

Of course, saving money is one of the major chants most business owners are verbalizing, but are there other advantages to outsourcing your IT department? Can you stay competitive with other companies that have a dedicated IT department on location? As boardrooms across the nation ask begin to ask these questions, here's a list of the top 5 reasons business should consider outsourcing their IT departments.

Top 5 advantages to IT outsourcing

• Businesses can focus on running their company, not their IT department. Many business owners find themselves spending numerous hours doing the "housekeeping" that's associated with running a successful operation. What that translates into is the management team can focus on their core competencies and revenue generating activities, while leaving the the management of the IT department to the professionals. By hiring an outside IT consulting group, a CEO can have peace of mind knowing their IT needs are addressed and they don't have to run to the IT department to monitor the companies IT needs. In fact, many IT outsourcing companies are local providers, like MDL Technology LLC of Kansas City . They offer Managed Services programs, allowing business to have their entire networked maintained and monitored so that they can avoid the occasional "downtime" and actually have "uptime" to keep their business running.
• Staffing needs are always met. How many times have you heard a business owner worry themselves with how they will staff their IT department? Much of the time a company acquires new business and additional staff must be brought on board to meet the increased workload. Or maybe, a new software program is coming out and the CFO doesn't have time to train his IT staff. By outsourcing their IT department, business owners put their staffing concerns to rest. Outsourced IT consultants understand the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest software releases and are always available when a company may need to beef up their support.
• Improved communication and accountability. Think about what it would be like if as a business owner you received a detailed report and update as to how your IT department was running, the updates that needed to be made presented with the cost to make those changes, along with a monthly recap on performance of your network. By outsourcing your IT department, these are some of the daily/monthly items they provide. What's more, since they do this for every client they serve, their presentations are complete and offer a comprehensive view as the the "health" of your network. Again, this is why many business owners elect for the Managed Service programs, usually costing them a monthly fee for 24-hour monitoring of their company's network.
• Cost-effective solution. Keeping in mind the economic state of the nation, many business owners elect for IT outsourcing to cut costs and manage their yearly budgeting constraints. What's smart about this approach is the cost of all IT expenditures becomes even more trackable as every hour spent is often tracked by the IT outsourced company. In addition, with an outsourced IT department, time is spent on the items that are needed to maintain a healthy network and not on unnecessary software and hardware upgrades. Plus, the learning curve is curtailed as to be a competitive IT outsourcing company, their employees stay up-to-date on the latest technologies meaning your not paying someone to learn a program.
• Technologically advanced professionals. It's also worth noting that bring on an outsourced IT department means you have highly-trained tech professionals at your disposal. As mentioned before, to stay competitive, outsourcing IT departments stay updated on the latest software and technology advances and pass that expertise onto the clients they serve. What's more, most outsourcing companies have strong relationships with other computer-related companies and can often help you find computers, hardware and additional services that they might not be able to provide. They often serve as your technology ambassador to the ever-changing IT world.

So if you're ready to update your computer network and you're looking for an easy, cost-effective solution that saves you time and reduces your stress levels, consider outsourcing your IT department. Many companies are already reaping the rewards, you can too!

MDL Technology, LLC is a Kansas City-based company that creates computer networking solutions to help make running a business easier. We partner with companies to design, build and install network systems to fit the needs of their organization. Once up and running, we train their associates and keep the network running smoothly to help meet the needs of the company. Our number one goal is to help our clients be successful.