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Semalt: How To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Malware

These days, people use social media websites, online shopping centers and gambling sites in a large number. It would not be wrong to say that the internet has become a primary source of information; we click on different websites and read our favorite articles on a regular basis. About two years ago, there were only three million forms of malicious codes, and hundreds of new ones are discovered every day.

Frank Abagnale, the Customer Success Manager of Semalt Digital Services, points out that malware has become more dangerous and pervasive than before as it fosters legitimate concerns that are related to our personal and professional IDs. The risks of being infected on the internet are higher than before because all the data is being reused every day. The origin of malware and viruses is unknown, but it is possible to avoid it.

What is malware?

Malware is the most common type of malicious software; attackers use this tool for disrupting computer devices. They collect sensitive information and gain access to your systems without permission. Virus and worms are two other forms which should not be confused with malware. All of these things cause different problems and should be treated differently.

A virus is a self-replicating thing that spreads in your computer via the internet and can take the form of codes and documents. A worm, on the other hand, is far different from a virus. Worms propagate through computer networks without your information and cause serious problems.

What is the motivation behind malware?

A Trojan horse helps to set up backup files of a computer system and gives you access to a large number of things. Years ago, viruses were considered as pranks and experiments on the internet. Most of the people did not realize that viruses and malware severely infected their computer systems. And now the situation has totally changed; these days, cybercriminals use malware to earn on the internet, and people know how to take measures against them. The hackers develop websites and generate income by displaying advertisements. They attach a variety of viruses and malware to those ads to attract more and more people. They infect a computer and gather your personal data like social security numbers, credit card numbers, and PayPal IDs.

How can I get infected with malware?

It is regrettable that there is no specific or authentic way to get rid of malware and viruses. Even the top-notch and famous antivirus software and malware programs do not provide sufficient protection and safety on the internet. Thus, you can use an antivirus tool only to get alerts if there is any form of malware or virus present in your computer system.

How to avoid becoming infected by malware?

You should keep your antivirus or anti-malware software update; it is important that you install their latest versions to avoid becoming infected. You should also use and maintain a variety of antivirus programs and malware software to stay safe on the internet. You can install firewalls to shield your computer systems from odd web traffic and malicious attacks. Adding location-aware is also good if you are using a mobile device or laptop; you should check your security settings, browser settings, email settings, and online accounts once in a while. While on the internet, you should use strong passwords and keep changing them every week. Do not forget to disconnect your computer from the Wi-Fi when you are not online. Follow strong security practices and take suitable measures to reduce the risks of viruses and malware. Follow good security practices and take appropriate precautions when using email and web browsers to reduce the risk that your actions will trigger an infection.