Malware Explained

What is Malware

Malware is a malicious program that is designed to gain unauthorized access into victims computer system, for the purpose to steal personal or financial information of the victim. Malware includes computer viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware etc.

Nowadays, malware is one of the biggest threat on the internet. According to top sources over 5.6 billion malware attacks are carried out in 2020, which is very high. It can infect computer system by various ways because malware comes in so many variants, Through varied in type and capabilities, an attacker can do the following things with the help of malware;

1. An attacker can remotely control an infected device.
2. Damage an infected system.
3. Modify or delete sensitive data.
4. Steal personal or financial information.
5.  Get access to the victims social accounts.

Where does malware come from?

According to top sources around 94% of malwares are delivered via spam Emails, by using Phishing, Vishing and other social engineering techniques.

Phishing:-  Phishing is when cybercriminals sent you an email and pretend to be from any govt organization or from any trusted private sector. Then they tell you that you have won a lottery or you have get a chance to meet with any celebrity and give you the link of any malicious software & say for more information install the given apk, but this apk is actually a malware.

Vishing:-  Vishing is when cybercriminal directly calls you and pretend to be from any trusted source so that you can reveal sensitive information.

Malicious Websites:– Some websites are trying to install this malicious software on your computer, usually through popups or by sending malicious links.

Types of Malware  

1. Ransomware :-  Ransomware encrypts or locks a computer system or its data until the victim pays a ransom fee. Ransom demand usually comes with a deadline if the victim doesn’t pay on time he may lost his all data.
2. Viruses:-  A computer virus is a type of malware that is attached to an executable file. Virus spreads when an infected file is passed from one system to another.
3. Worms:–  A worm is a type of malware whose function is to replicate itself while remaining active on an infected system. It mostly uses a computer network to spread from one computer to another.
4.  Trojan horse:-  Trojan is designed to appear as a legitimate application to gain access to a computer system. Once Trojan is installed in the target’s system it can steal sensitive information from the victim’s computer. Since Trojan has similar functions as some of legitimate applications have so, it is difficult to detect.
5. Spyware:-    Spyware hides on a computer system, provides real time information  and sharing to its host. It enables them to steal sensitive data like bank details and passwords.
6. Keyloggers:-  Keyloggers tracks everything that a user types on his/her computer. It includes passwords, credit card details, business information etc.

Signs to detect Malware?

If you have a doubt that either my computer system is infected by malware or not, Look up for these signs. Our tips will help you to detect a malware and get rid of it.

1. Lots of Popup ads:-  If you see lots of Popup ads then usual, it is a sign that your computer is likely been infected by malware.
2. Shutdown problem:–  Your computer won’t shutdown or restart easily.
3. Slow down:– Your computer suddenly slows down or crashes whenever you open any software.
4. Drainage of battery:–  If your computer loses charge quickly then it is also a sign that your computer is affected by malware.

How to Protect yourself from Malware?

Cybercriminals try their best to trick you into clicking on malicious links that will download malware. But is their a way to save yourself from these frauds? Of course! You can follow our simple steps to keep yourself safe from these cyber frauds.

1. Do not ever download any file or apk from unknown sources. Often not to click on any link that you have received from untrusted sources.
2. Don’t use public WiFi excessively.
3. Use the latest web browser, because they have improved security for fake websites.
4. Make sure that your USB drives and other external devices are safe.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

So these are some tips which you can follow to protect yourself from this malicious software.