Why is my Device Suddenly Acting up?
Dec 20, 2021
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In our modern society, we rely heavily on technology. From smartphones to laptops and tablets, we need to use some form of device for our personal or business lives.
However, sometimes these devices, as useful as they can be, might begin to give us some difficulties. Your device might have malware on it if it is suddenly displaying odd behaviour.
Understanding how to identify malware on your device is crucial to keeping it safe. If you want to know more about malicious software, how it affects your device and how you can protect your device from it, read on to find out.
What is Malware?
Malware, also known as malicious software is a type of software that can be installed on your device to cause damage. There are different types of malware, and each one has unique characteristics and objectives.
Understanding the different types of malware will help you to pinpoint which part of your device may be under attack. This could give you the advantage of attempting to save your important files and data if you take action quickly enough. Below is a list of the most common types of malware that you might encounter.
Viruses
Viruses can frequently be found on many devices. This is because they can spread from one device to another, much like biological viruses. However, computer viruses do not exist naturally, instead, they are designed by cybercriminals who have the intention of destroying files or devices.
There is a variety of different viruses to be found. Each one is unique and serves a different purpose, based on what it has been programmed to do. Some might be programmed to destroy a device, whereas others are designed to target specific files, such as important business documents for example.
In some cases, viruses are designed to lie dormant within your device and only be activated when a specific command is given. For example, a virus might only activate once you restart your computer or open a specific type of document.
Spyware
Spyware is a dangerous form of malware that can breach your privacy as well as your security. Spyware can be used to gather data about you such as the websites you visit. This means that the cybercriminal will be able to watch everything you do on your device. This will allow them to snoop through your files, data and accounts.
Spyware is dangerous because it will give the hacker full control over your device, even if they’re not close to it. They can also discover your login credentials or sensitive information simply by searching through all of your information.
Ransomware
Ransomware is the most dangerous form of malware that you need to be aware of. Ransomware is able to encrypt certain files or accounts. The encryption won’t be removed until you pay a ransom fee to the hacker.
This malware is frustrating because they usually target important files that you need to use. This can include anything from documents that you need for work, bank statements or even personal files such as identification documents.
The ransom fees are usually extremely high as well, which makes it even more difficult. Hackers will not release your files back to you unless you meet their ransom demands. There is also no way to move, open, or transfer the files to another device once they have been encrypted with ransomware. Ransomware and phishing together have caused trillions of dollars of damage as well as endangering lives
How Can Malware Get Onto Your Device?
Cybercriminals have different tactics to get their malware onto your device for a cyberattack. If you know how they can get their malicious software on their device you will have a better understanding of how you can identify and avoid it.
The most common way that malware can be downloaded is through fraudulent links online. Clicking on the wrong link can prompt malicious software to be installed on your device. Remember that links can also be disguised as icons, images or adverts.
You may also find malicious software in phishing scams. These scams involve sending fraudulent emails that will require the victim to interact with them. There will either be a link or an attachment in the email that could install the malware on your device once you have clicked on it.
Hackers will use social engineering to trick their victims into interacting with emails. They can do this by posing as a well-known company that you trust. They are able to replicate their emails using logos and color schemes, which makes it difficult to distinguish from a real email.
How to Protect Your Device From Malware
Due to the fact that malicious software can be installed on your device in the background, it is impossible to rely on your knowledge and awareness alone to spot malicious software being downloaded on your device. You must use cybersecurity tools, designed by specialists to keep your devices secure.
The most important cybersecurity measure to have on your device is antivirus software. Make sure that you have premium, verified antivirus software with real-time background scanning features. Antivirus software will constantly scan your device for any malicious software that has been installed on your device. The software can also take the necessary steps to remove malicious software from your device.
Even if your device is kept secure with an antivirus program, you must still avoid clicking on suspicious links while you’re browsing online. Never open emails from unknown senders or access websites that do not have HTTPS enabled in your web browser's address (URL) bar. Prevention is the best protection, but if you do happen to get caught out, the antivirus will be there to keep your device protected.
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