What is malware? Malware is short for “malicious software”. It is a program that tries to harm your device or data. It is any bad software that hurts your computer or phone. Many of the most common types of malware are created by threat actors looking to cause trouble. It can also make your device run slowly or steal your information. There are many different types of malware.
Viruses can spread from device to device. They can destroy files and make your computer run slow. Trojans act like they are good programs, but they are not. They can steal your information. Ransomware will lock your files and demand money in exchange for releasing them back to you. These attacks are increasing in frequency and becoming more creative every day. So, how do these attacks spread?
Malware can creep in many different ways. You can download a bad file without pausing to review what you just clicked on. Some websites can put malware on your device when you visit them. You can open a weird email from a strange sender that has malware attached. So remember when you are working throughout your day to pause and review any new email, website, or files and be sure that they are not malicious!
So, how can you spot malware on your device? If you notice any of these things, it might be a sign to get your device checked out. First, check for suspicious pop ups, high data usage, or a quickly draining battery. Also look for sluggish or slow speeds over a continued amount of time. If any of these things become noticeable, report it.
It is easier to avoid malware than many people think. Practice good cyber hygiene by keeping your system up to date, using strong passwords, and employing antivirus software. Also, be very careful what you click! The best person to stop malware from infecting your device will always be first and foremost you.
