It is estimated that 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected on a daily basis, and over 1 billion malware programs currently exist.

Malware refers to several different types of malicious software created by cybercriminals to gain access to your devices and steal personal information or cause damage. Read the information below to learn more about the dangers of malware attacks and what types of damage they can do to your computer. Plus, we’ve thrown in some additional tips below on how to help avoid them.

Spyware, virus, worm, trojan, etc…what’s the difference?

It’s all malware. Malware refers to a variety of malicious software created by online criminals to gain access to your computer, steal sensitive information or severely damage your computer.

• Adware: Collects marketing data about you without your knowledge and displays unwanted advertisements on your computer.
• Spyware: Gathers personal and confidential information and shares it with others without your consent.
• Ransomware: Alters your computer system so you’re unable to log on, then demands payment to have your computer unlocked.
• Scareware: Claims your computer has a virus, then “scares” you to pay for fake antivirus software to remove it.
• Keylogging and screen scraping: Secretly records every keystroke and/or your computer screen to steal passwords and other confidential information.

How malware gets on your computer

• Web browsers: Exploits a browser vulnerability such as a security flaw or outdated browser, or a vulnerability in Java/Flash.
• Trojans: Exposes your personal and confidential information to hackers by opening a “backdoor” to your computer after downloading a file or program that is disguised as something good but is actually bad (e.g. trojan horse).
• Virus & worms: Attacks through the internet, emails or contaminated files, then automatically replicates itself. Viruses require human action to spread to other computers, whereas worms spread by themselves.

Additional Tips to Help You Avoid Malware Attacks

With malware attacks increasing every year, it’s essential to know how you can help prevent them from happening to you.

Here are some tips to help you avoid a malware attack:

• Always download security patches and software updates
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments
• Ensure only trusted people have access to your devices
• Password-protect all devices
• Enable security features like fingerprint or facial recognition on devices when they’re not in use
• Maintain regular backups of sensitive data
• Download anti-virus software to help protect against existing and emerging online threats
• Download a secure browser like AOL Desktop Gold or AOL Shield Pro to help lock out hackers and identity thieves when shopping and banking online.

Published on 06/06/2023