Malware – What Is It and How to Deal with Malware Attacks
Malware is any malicious software that is designed to intentionally disrupt or damage any computer device, network or service, leak sensitive information, gain unauthorized access to systems and user information, denial of access to data etc. As you can see, Malware are a big threat to businesses, government and individuals alike.
Why Cybercriminals Use Malware Attacks?
Malware comprises of all types of malicious software that cybercriminals use for various reasons, like :
- Steal users’ financial data like credit/debit card information,
- Prompting a victim into divulging his/her personal information for identity theft
- Gaining control of all computer devices on one network to launch denial-of-service attacks against other networks
- Infecting computer devices with encryption and asking for ransoms in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in return of providing decryption keys.
How Many Types of Malware Are There Posing Threats to User’s Data?
- Virus : A virus generally comes as an email attachment. It holds a virus consignment or a part of malware that executes the malicious action. Once the user (victim) opens the attachment file, his/her system gets infected.
- Ransomware : It is one of the most popular and lucrative type of malware used by cybercriminals. It automatically installs itself on a victim’s system, encrypts files, and orders for a ransom (generally in Bitcoin) in return of data.
- Worms : Worms are capable of copying themselves from one machine to another. It is usually done by manipulating some security vulnerability in operating system or any application software. they don’t need user communication to function.
- Scareware : Cybercriminals use scareware to convince their victims that their system is infected with virus by displaying alarming messages like “Warning: Your computer is infected!” or “You have a virus!”. They use these tactics and unethical practices to scare users to buy rogue applications.
- Spyware : A spyware program is installed on your machine without your knowledge. It acquires and transfers your personal information or web browsing habits and other details to its user. Spyware permits its users to check all types of communications on the affected system.
Note : Most often, Spyware is used by government agencies, law enforcement and information security organizations to capture and scrutinize communications in a confidential environment or during investigation. But spyware is also available to general consumers to spy on their partner, children, employees etc.
- Trojans : Trojans pretends as harmless applications, misleading users to download and use them. Once downloaded and running, they then create a havoc on victim’s system by stealing personal data, spying on user activities, crashing device, or even launching an attack.
- Adware : Adware throw unsolicited advertisements at users. They typically appear as pop-up windows or blinking advertisements while performing certain action. These are installed in exchange for another service, for example, use an application without paying for it.
- Fileless Malware : Fileless malware is a kind of malicious software that make use of authentic programs to infect computer system. Fileless malware registry attacks don’t leave any malware files for scanning and detection. Since it not dependent on files and leaves no footprints either, it is quite tricky to identify and remove this malware.
Signs That Your Computer is Infected with Malware
If you encounter any of the below issues, then your computer is infected with malware :
- Slow system performance
- Infection warning, appearing together with recommendations to buy some product to fix them
- Web browser redirection, or when your browser redirects you to websites you don’t plan/intend to visit
- Problems while starting up or shutting down your computer
- Recurring pop-up advertisements
The higher the number of symptoms you encounter, the higher the chances that your system has malware infection. The strongest indicators of malware attack are browser redirects and frequent pop-up warnings claiming that you are infected with a virus and need to recover from malware attack. Appearing of these two signs is alarming that your computer is compromised by malware.
How Do I protect My Computer from Malware?
Although, various types of malware are there, but despite that, there is no need to worry. For each malware type, there are just as many varied ways to protect and secure and recover your system data from malware attacks.
Secure Your Devices
- Make sure that your operating system and all applications are updated from time to time and there are no pending upgrades in line. Cybercriminals are always searching for vulnerabilities/loopholes in the outdated or old software. Therefore, make it a routine to install all the updates as soon as they are available.
- Never tap on a link that appears in a pop-up. Just close this message and stay away from the site that generated this pop up
- Limit your use of apps on your computer. Install only those apps that are important and you are going to use regularly. And if you are not using the app anymore, just uninstall it.
- Always use some Security solutions like McAfee, Avira, Avast etc. to safeguard your data and identity.
Be Vigilant Online
- Don’t click on links that are unknown to you and you don’t trust its source. No matter from where it is coming (through email, text message, social networking website etc.), if the link appears unfamiliar, stay away from it.
- Be vigilant about which sites you visit. Don’t visit sites you are usure of, as they may be malicious and might trigger malware.
- Beware of fraudulent emails that request your personal information. If you receive an email claiming to be from your bank or regarding lottery win etc. and instructing you to click a link and provide your account information, reset password, enter debit/credit card details for KYC updates etc., then don’t click it. Instead, visit your banks’ website and login from there.
- Avoid visiting risky sites that offer free screensavers and other free services etc.
Keep an Eye on Software Downloads and Purchases
- Make sure that you are purchasing software from reputed company either online through their official website or by walking in their retail store.
- Just stick to official App stores. Although spyware can also be found on official app stores, they flourish on vague third-party stores promoting unofficial apps. By downloading apps via these unofficial stores, you are bypassing built-in security of your device and putting it into a stranger’s hand.
- Don’t open email attachment without knowing its whereabouts, even it has come from a relative, friend or any known person. They might not be aware of the dangers of opening these kinds of attachments. Be vigilant and help them too.
Perform Regular Checks
- If you are worried that your system is under malware attack, start scanning your device using any security software installed in your system and check for any virus
- Keep a regular check on your back account transactions and credit reports.
Other Suggestions
Take regular backups of your data. It is imperative for any individual, businesses, organizations to backup their data on a regular basis. There are many email backup software out there, that will help you store all your emails and other accounts data on external hard drive and cloud accounts. In case you feel that your data has gone into wrong hands, then it is better that you wipe your data from your device using any data erasure applications that deletes data forever, beyond recovery.
With these above-mentioned tips and security software, you can keep your system free from malware infections.
