Cybercrime warning follows security success
The National Crime Agency (NCA) took down the Avalanche network, which since 2009 has sent out millions of fraudulent emails weekly - enabling cybercriminals to steal financial details and other personal information.
At any given time up to 500,000 computers worldwide are believed to have been carrying infections distributed through the Avalanche network.
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Hide AdHowever, in one day at the end of November officials from 30 countries including the UK took down 830,000 malicious web domains, with five arrests being made..
The NCA is advising computer users to remain alert to the threat of malware, offering the following advice.
To help protect yourself from the threat of malware you should ensure that you always download the latest software and app updates which contain vital security upgrades to help protect your devices - https://www.cyberaware.gov.uk/software-updates
Remember if an email or SMS text message is unexpected or you do not recognise the sender always take care not to open attachments, or click on links.
Free malware removal tools
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Hide AdIf you think your computer has been infected you can use the below list of free tools to scan your computer and remove the malware. Only consider downloading anti-virus from websites that you have researched and are trusted:
ESET Online Scanner
Visit https://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ and follow instructions to download
McAfee Stinger
Visit http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/index.aspx and follow instructions to download
Norton Power Eraser
Visit https://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.aspx and follow instructions to download
F-Secure
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Hide AdVisit https://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_global/online-scanner and follow instructions to download
For additional online safety advice visit https://www.getsafeonline.org and https://www.cyberaware.gov.uk.