Top 5 Malware Threats and How to Protect Computer from Infections

Everything about Spyware, Viruses, Trojans, Adware, and Worms. The top 5 malware threats, and how to protect computers and phones from infections.

Malware is a common threat found on all devices these days, not just computers. They are a real hassle and do nothing other than try to break your device, or worse, steal your personal information to be used for identity fraud. There are plenty of different types of malware as well, and we will have a look at those in more detail below and see what the best course of action is to protect your computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets powered by Windows or Android operating systems.

Types of Malware Infections Found on Computers and Phones

1. Spyware

Spyware does exactly what it say’s on the tin, it spies on your computer activity and reports back to the creator of the spyware. It is usually hidden on your computer so you can’t find it, but using the correct spyware removal programs such as; Kaspersky, AVG, Avira etc. will keep your computer clean and prevent any spyware activity.

2. Viruses

A virus is a bit naughty and is more or less designed to cause computer problems. It copies itself over and over again until your computer is completely filled with viruses and the only way to get rid of them would be to restore your computer. The obvious thing to do to protect yourself is to install well-known anti malware software like Kaspersky and keep it on at all times. This will catch any new malware and keep your computer safe from potential threats.

3. Trojans

A Trojan is usually a piece of software that is usually made out to be the real thing, but it’s usually a disguise just so you install it on your computer. From there it will corrupt files, steal data, and plenty of other things that can hurt your computer. Most of the viruses found on computers are more or less the same, but they do different things to harm your computer and data in different ways. The best points to consider when preventing Trojans is to make sure your computer is up to date, you have anti-virus programs installed, and you are wary about any items you download off the internet. Only use trusted sites to download and don’t download anything that you think looks suspicious.

4. Adware

Adware is a way of displaying advertisements or downloading advertising material. This virus is more annoying than anything because you will be prompted with loads of advertisements every time you access the internet. The good thing about adware is the fact that it isn’t going to be as lethal as all of the other viruses out there; the creator is more or less looking to make money without committing identity fraud.

5. Worms

A worm is often a spreadable virus that if found on a network, will often replicate itself and move to other computers on the network. It’s possible depending on how much effort is put into building a worm, that it can have a serious effect and end up costing businesses millions. It’s one of the worst types of viruses that should be dealt with immediately.

Tips to Prevent Malware Infection on Your Computers and Phones

Have a look at the following tips to consider when looking defending yourself from any viruses:

• Keep virus programs and software tools up to date at all times.
• Don’t download anything from emails or websites that look suspicious.
• Keep your applications and programs up to date, not just your anti-virus programs.
• Always keep backups of your computer on an external hard drive if possible.
• Always use different passwords for different online accounts.
• Don’t give any of your personal data out to strangers.
• Use a firewall at all times.

If you follow the above information, you will be able to defend yourself against some of the toughest viruses out there. If you suspect a malware threat, run your antivirus software and programs immediately or if even worse, restore your device to factory settings.