Security & Data Protection — What We’re Seeing Right Now

A look at the issues we diagnosed recently and what to expect moving into May.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a clear increase in systems coming in with security-related issues. Not just traditional malware — but a mix of modern threats, account compromises, and systems reacting to security changes.

This ties into our recent Windows Updates post — but this is the protection side of it.

What We’re Seeing in the Shop

• Malware from normal browsing — no obvious downloads

• Links sent from hacked Facebook/email accounts

• Fake login pages capturing credentials

• Systems locked behind BitLocker after changes

• No backups when something goes wrong

This is showing up across all types of users — not just “risky” behavior.

What Changed (And Why It Matters)

Most people still think security means:

“Don’t download sketchy stuff.”

That’s outdated.

Now we’re seeing:

• Browser-based attacks that run in the background

• Malicious scripts on legitimate-looking sites

• Emails that look real but lead to credential theft

• Infections that don’t trigger obvious warnings

  
  

At the same time, Windows is tightening security with:

• TPM

• BitLocker

• Secure Boot

  
  

So, users are getting hit from both sides:

• More threats getting in

• More aggressive system security reacting to changes

Where Standard Protection Falls Short

Windows Defender has improved — but in real-world use, we still see:

• Threats that slip through browser sessions

• Delayed detection (after damage is already done)

• Weak blocking of malicious websites

• Limited protection against social engineering attacks

  
  

That’s why we don’t rely on it alone.

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Why We Recommend Malwarebytes

This is based on what we actually see on systems — not marketing.

1. Strong Web Protection (Big One)

• Blocks malicious websites before they load

• Stops the majority of infections at the source

• Especially effective against:

  • Fake login pages

  • Redirect-based attacks

  • Script-based threats

    
    

👉 This alone prevents a large percentage of cases we handle

2. Better Detection of Modern Threats

• Picks up threats that traditional antivirus misses

• Strong against:

  • Browser exploits

  • Fileless malware

  • Script-based attacks

    
    

👉 These are the exact types of infections we’re seeing right now

3. Real-Time Protection That Actually Works

• Active monitoring without slowing systems down

• Immediate blocking vs delayed cleanup

  
  

👉 Prevents problems instead of reacting after the fact

4. Clean Removals

• When a system is already infected, Malwarebytes:

  • Finds leftover components

  • Cleans registry traces

  • Removes persistence mechanisms

    
    

👉 This reduces repeat infections

5. Plays Well with Windows

• Doesn’t fight the system

• Doesn’t create instability

• Works alongside built-in security instead of conflicting with it

  
  

👉 Stability matters — especially with update-related issues

Why Not Just Use “Anything Else” for Security and Data Protection

What we see with other solutions:

• Heavier impact on system performance

• Missed browser-based threats

• Overcomplicated interfaces users don’t manage properly

• False sense of security

  
  

We’re not saying everything else is bad —we’re saying this is what consistently works in real-world repairs.

How This Connects to Our Windows Updates Post

In our previous post, we covered:

• Crashes after updates

• BitLocker lockouts

• System instability

  
  

This post explains the other half:

• Why systems are getting compromised in the first place

• And why proper protection matters before and after updates

What We Do at RodgersPC

We don’t just install antivirus and send it out.

We:

• Verify system security (BitLocker, TPM, access)

• Clean infections completely

• Set up proper protection (Malwarebytes)

• Check system stability after updates

• Make sure you’re not at risk of lockout or reinfection

RodgersPC Tip

If your browser redirects, logs you out, or suddenly tells you to “verify your account” — stop immediately.

If it says “call Microsoft” or shows a support number —

It’s a scam. Not Microsoft.

Close the browser. Do not call. Do not click anything.

If it won’t close:

• Force shut it down (hold power)

• Disconnect internet (unplug / turn off Wi-Fi)

  
  

Then call us or bring it in immediately.

That moment is where most people lose access to their accounts or systems — and why computer security and data protection should never be ignored.