Poll: Have you ever been infected by ransomware, malware or viruses?

Malware is undoubtedly one of the biggest banes when it comes to computer security. From spyware, trojans, and many more, these things can not only compromise the safety of our devices, but they can also place risks on our personal security as well. It really can no longer be said that only the Windows operating system is vulnerable to attacks from cybercriminals; Mac OS X, Linux, and even a mobile OS like Android are not safe. They can create terrible damage on all of our devices, which may sometimes render them unusable over time.

Moreover, with the meteoric rise of crypto-malware, or better known as ransomware, these malicious programs are increasingly becoming hard to ignore. Back in the day, we could easily combat viruses, worms, and other types of malware using antivirus programs. Running a quick scan was enough, and the culprit that makes our devices act up can easily be caught. Today, it has taken a more personal approach, prompting victims to pay using real money in exchange for the safety of their files. Reports indicate that criminals are raking in big amounts of cash through this gimmick, and this is of no surprise; aside from setting a high ransom amount, victims' computer files are important to them, leaving them no choice but to pay up.

With all of these things in consideration, we're eager to hear your experience in dealing with malware. Have you ever been infected with such nasty software with your time with your computer or tablet? How were you able to thwart the malicious program for good?

Cast your answer in the poll, and let us know your thoughts below!