Malware – Things to Know

Malware is an umbrella term used to describe any malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or extract sensitive data from a system, device, or network. Cybercriminals steal data like passwords and payment details by using malicious software. Nowadays, most hackers are professionals whose motives are stealing something of value. So, let’s learn more about the types of malwares, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself against it.  

Why Do Cybercriminals Use Malware?

The motivation of cybercriminals is almost always financial gain. Some common reasons for using malware are:

• Stealing financial data such as credit card information
• Tricking people into providing personal information for identity theft purposes
• Infecting systems and using them to mine cryptocurrencies like bitcoin
• Gaining control of multiple computers to launch denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against other networks

How Does Malware Work?

There are many ways in which malware spreads into our devices: 

Infected Apps 

Purchasing an app from an official store is generally a safe thing to do. However, there may be some apps coming from less trustworthy sources-these may contain malware. 

Malicious Advertisement

Online advertisement that contains malware is called malvertising. The infected ad may be part of a legitimate website, which makes it hard to recognize. They may infect your device merely by clicking on the website, or after you click on the ad. 

Phishing Emails

Computers 101—don’t click on links or open attachments in emails from suspicous sources. They probably contain malware. Unfortunately, phishing emails are getting harder to detect as they often appear to come from trusted sources.

Fake Software Installations

Sometimes malware can be disguised under the word “free”—free song, free movie… It is only after downloading your free file you realize that the only thing you got for free is a virus. 

Infected USB Drive

If hacker needs physical access to your computer, they will plug an infected USB drive into your computer. Such USB drive contains malicious code which will unleash upon opening certain file. 

The Different Kinds of Malware

Protect your devices by understanding the different types of malwares that threaten us. 

Adware

Adware is software that targets you for advertisements. Malicious adware bombards you with infected ads that harm your devices. Free apps sometimes use adware to generate revenue—it’s not always malicious. 

Ransomware

Ransomware blocks access to a computer system until a ransom is paid. You may be asked for cryptocurrency in exchange for access to your data. 

Scareware

Scareware basically scares you into downloading and buying a fake anti-malware software. It makes you think that you were infected but tricks you into truly getting infected by downloading malicious software. It typically looks like a pop-up ad that impersonates anti-virus companies informing you that your system’s files have been infected. 

Spyware

Spyware secretly tracks your activity and captures your sensitive data. Your information is then relayed to data firms, advertisers, or sold on the dark web for profit. 

Trojan

A Trojan horse works just like the mythological Trojan horse. It creates a backdoor in your computer and gives hackers unauthorized access to your computer system.  

Viruses

A virus is a self-replicating malware that inserts its code into other programs. Emails, flash drives, or websites may spread a virus. The virus activates by opening the infected file. It can delete files, modify applications, and cause system malfunctions.

Worm

A computer worm spreads from system to system without human assistance. It reproduces itself and exploits security software vulnerabilities. A worm can steal data, corrupt files, and install backdoor access to your computer. 

Warning Signs of Infection by Malware

Be on the lookout for the most common signs that your system may be compromised:

• Browser redirects—if your browser often redirects you to website, you did not intend to visit, it’s a red flag!

• Blue screen of death (BSOD)—common indicator that a malware is causing trouble behind the scenes. You should be worried if your computer crashes regularly. 

• Frequent pop-ups—unwanted ads that keep popping up should alert you that something isn’t right with your system. 

• Slow computer—slow startup of a computer and its programs typically signals infection by malware. Culprit could be the latest program you installed. 

• Suspicious activity—do you see changes or files on your computer that you don’t recognize? Is your hard drive working excessively when no programs are being used? Scan your computer for malware. 

Anti-Malware Protection

Here we talk about safe online habits you should adopt to avoid getting infected with malware: 

1. Stay away from suspicious websites—they contain a risk of malware infection. Avoid illegal downloads, apps of unknown origin, and torrent websites. 

2. Think before you click—ask yourself if the link is from a trusted source. 

3. Don’t overwhelm your device—delete any unused apps. Only keep those apps that you truly need and use. 

4. Safeguard your devices—don’t leave them unattended. Set up a password or biometric lock for each device. 

5. Keep your devices updated—this includes apps, operating system, software… Outdated software may be more susceptible to malware. 

6. Use anti-malware software—it prevents, detects, and removes malware that tries to infect your devices. When deciding on which anti-malware software to use, look for the following features:

• Anti-Fraud, Anti-Phishing, Anti-Spam. Use software that alerts you when you visit a website that may try to scam you, and one that has advanced anti-phishing protection. Also, look for features that allow you to filter spam in your email.  
• Advanced Threat Defense—stops abnormal behavior before it inflicts any damage 
• Complete Data Protection. Look for anti-malware that defends against all e-threats (viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.)
• Social Network Protection. Invest into software that will protect you from malicious links and other threats that you may encounter on social media sites. 
• Web Attack Prevention. A good anti-malware software will help you avoid harmful websites and block infected links with its web-filtering technology. 

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This article was originally published on IDIQ Solutions’ website: https://www.idiq.com/ . IDIQ brings superior benefits and a team of U.S.-based experts to offer the highest level of customer service to bring you industry-leading identity theft protection, credit monitoring and data breach management.

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