What is Malware and How to Protect Yourself Against It?

Malware – which stands for Malicious Software – is a type of software that is designed to cause harm to a computer, network, or other digital device. It can take many different forms, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and other types of malicious code.

Malware often has serious consequences for individuals and organizations. It can cause damage to computers and networks, disrupt business operations, and steal sensitive information. It is also used for launching attacks on other systems or creating botnets with malicious intentions.

We at DMARC Advisor protect outgoing email for all our customers. Unfortunately, it happens a lot where the domain of an organisation is used for malware campaigns. These are the subjects we will cover below:

• How you can get hit by malware
• How it infects your pc and laptop
• How you can detect it
• The most common types of malware
• How to know when you’re infected with malware
• Some methods to protect yourself.

How Can You Get Hit by Malware?

Malware is distributed through different channels like malicious websites, emails, and software. It is often even hidden in files that seem harmless, such as images, documents, or .exe files.

Users often unintentionally install malware by clicking on links in phishing emails or downloading software from untrustworthy sources. Malware can even infiltrate a computer when connecting an infected USB drive or when visiting an infected website.

Implementing?DMARC?on your domains protects them from being impersonated by cyber criminals. Your employees, coworkers, and/or customers can trust the emails sent on behalf of your organisation. That’s one less method these cybercriminals use to distribute malware!

How Malware Infects Your PC or Laptop

Malware infects your PC in various ways, and it’s important to be aware of them. One common method is downloading infected files from the Internet. It often occurs that malicious code is hidden within different file types like videos, pictures, or software. When you open these files on your PC, the malware enters your system and potentially causes harm. That’s why it is so important to know why you are on the internet, and only do what you were intended to do. If something looks untrustworthy or counter-intuitive, do not interact with it.

Compromised websites are another common method. Simply visiting an infected website can trigger the automatic download and installation of malware on your PC, often without your knowledge or consent. Be, for instance, very aware of people sharing links on social media. It happens more than often that an influencer or a celebrity’s account is?hacked and unwillingly involved?in a malware campaign.

Email attachments also carry a risk of malware transmission. By opening an infected attachment you install malware on your PC, potentially leading to damage.

How Can I Detect Malware?

Scanning your computer for malicious files or programs is the most common method to detect malware. But when your computer is infected with malware, you’re probably able to detect it with your own eyes, as we mention some examples a little down the line.

Malware can infect your computer through email attachments, drive-by downloads, or by clicking on links in malicious websites. It can also take advantage of weaknesses in your installed software.

To strengthen your defense against malware, be cautious with email attachments, watch out for risky websites, and avoid clicking on unverified links. Keep your software up to date and use reliable antivirus programs to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance protection against malware threats.

The Most Common Types of Malware

Viruses

A virus?is a type of malware that copies itself by attaching to other files or programs. It usually spreads between computers, through email attachments or shared infected files. Once a computer is infected, a virus can cause various issues, like deleting files, stealing sensitive information, or even harming hardware.

Worms

A worm?is a kind of malware that behaves like a virus but doesn’t need to attach itself to other files or programs to multiply. It spreads rapidly through networks and often leads to issues like network congestion and sluggish computer performance.

Trojan horses

A Trojan horse?is a type of malware that is disguised as a legitimate program or file. When a user downloads and runs a Trojan horse, it installs other malware on the user’s computer, such as viruses or worms. Trojan horses are usually used to steal sensitive information, install ransomware, or gain access to a user’s system.

Ransomware

Ransomware?is a type of malware commonly used by cybercriminals for financial gain. It infects a victim’s computer, locks their files using encryption, and demands a ransom (usually in Bitcoin) to release the data back to the user.

Scareware

Cybercriminals use?scareware?scams to trick people into buying fake applications by making them believe their computers or smartphones are infected. They create alarming messages like “Warning: Your computer is infected!” or “You have a virus!” that pop up while browsing the web. These deceptive tactics and unethical advertising aim to scare and pressure users into purchasing fake programs or applications.

Adware

Adware?programs bombard users with annoying advertisements, often displaying flashy blinking ads or pop-up windows that appear when you do certain things. These programs are usually installed when you make a deal where you get access to a program for free but have to put up with the adware constantly bothering you.

Spyware

Spyware?is a sneaky program that can secretly be installed on your computer. Its purpose is to collect and send personal information and details about your internet activities to someone else. This invasive software allows the person who installed it to monitor various types of communication on your device. Spyware is often used by law enforcement, government agencies, and information security organizations for sensitive purposes like testing or investigating communications.

How Do You Know When You Are Being Infected with Malware?

• Your computer starts to slow down in performance
• Your computer takes you to websites you did not intend to visit
• Your computer does not want to shut down
• Your computer gets a lot of pop-up ads
• Warning of infections, followed by products to solve these infections

Methods to Protect Yourself from Malware

Protect your devices

Do this by always updating the programs and software you use as soon as these updates are available. Only use the apps on your computer or smartphone that you use and trust. Do not click on popup banners, just avoid them in general. If you find anything suspicious, don’t interact with it. It is a best practice to install antivirus software on your computer and smartphone.

Be careful

Be careful when you are browsing the internet. Do not click on random and unknown links on websites or social media posts/advertisements. Do not fall for emails requesting any form of personal information. Especially when these emails are asking for banking details.

Software purchases and downloads

Only purchase software from the official website of the company. When downloading an app for your smartphone, always look for the reviews and the rating of the app, the number of downloads, and the company behind it.