Information on Malware & Protection of Your Devices

 

Information on Malware &

Protection of Your Devices

By malware, or malicious software, we mean a type of computer program designed to infect a legitimate user's computer and damage it in various ways. Malware can infect computers and devices in a number of ways and comes in a variety of forms, some of which include viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and more. It is essential that all users know how to recognize and protect themselves from malware in all its forms.

So what is malware? Malware comes in a myriad of forms. Computer viruses are probably the most popular types of malware. They are so named because they can spread by creating copies of themselves. Worms have similar properties. Other types of malware, such as spyware, are named after the way they act: in the case of spyware, it transmits personal information, such as credit card numbers.

A criminal enterprise

So after asking ourselves "What is malware?" , the next logical questions are: "Who creates it and why?" . Gone are the days when most malware was created by teenage pranksters. Today, malware is largely designed by and for professional criminals.

These criminals use diverse and sophisticated tactics. In some cases, as the technology site Public CIO notes points out , cybercriminals even "lock" computer data (to prevent access to the information) and demand a ransom from users to return it.

However, the biggest risk that cybercriminals pose to frequent computer users is the theft of online banking information , such as bank accounts, credit card numbers, and passwords. Cybercriminals who steal this information can use it to empty your account or process fraudulent credit card bills on your behalf. They can also sell your account information on the black market, where this sensitive information is highly valued.

Protection against malware

So let's ask ourselves the most important question of all: "How can I make sure my computer or network is free of malware?"

The answer is divided into two parts: stay alert and use protection tools. One of the most popular means of spreading malware is email, in which the malware can be disguised as a message from a well-known company, such as a bank, or a personal message from a friend.

Be careful with emails that ask for passwords, as well as emails that appear to be from friends, but contain messages such as "Visit this interesting website!" followed by a link.
Staying vigilant is the first layer of protection against malware, but being careful is not enough. Since business security is not perfect, even downloads from legitimate sites can contain malware. Consequently, even the most prudent user is at risk, unless additional measures are taken.

What is malware protection?

Security protection against malware is the second fundamental layer of protection for your computer or network. An effective antivirus software package is the main component of the technological defenses that every personal and business computer system must have.

Well-designed virus protection has several characteristics. Scans any new downloaded software to ensure that it is free of malware . Scans your computer periodically to detect and remove any malware that has leaked. It is updated regularly to recognize the latest threats.

Effective antivirus protection is even capable of recognizing (and warning of) previously unknown malware threats based on technical characteristics (such as attempting to "hide" on a computer) that are typical of malware. Additionally, effective antivirus software products detect and warn of suspicious websites, especially those that may have been designed for "phishing" attacks (a technique that tricks users into entering passwords or account numbers).

Finally, the protection against malware should be usable. An effective antivirus software product should be easy to download and install, so you don't need to have a Ph.D. in computer science to use it. Look for antivirus software solutions that have the aforementioned features and proceed to install them.

A safe solution against malware will specifically protect your finances . These tools protect your account information and provide password management tools, so the frustration associated with forgetting passwords does not lead you to bypass this essential component of protection.

No protection is absolute. But a combination of personal attention and well-designed protection tools will ensure that your computer is as secure as possible.