Malware is the term used to describe any bit of software that was intentionally made to harm the computer, or mobile device it is run on. This harm could be things like causing the computer to crash or lose delete files, stealing information from the computer, or just causing many ads to pop up whenever the computer is used.
The most common types of malware are:
Viruses - These are designed to infect a computer, copying themselves to different files and programs to find a way to spread. They can even sometimes get into your email and send themselves to people in your contact list without you knowing. This is why it is always best to be wary of suspicious emails, even those that appear to be from a trusted family member, friend, or co-worker, especially if the email is unexpected and seems to be different in any way than their normal emails.
Viruses will sometimes install adware or spyware (see below) onto your computer, or just cause damage to your computers’ software or sometimes even hardware. They can be spread by bad email attachments, USB memory sticks that have been used on infected computers, or infected files that you have downloaded off the internet.
You can protect yourself from viruses by installing anti-virus software on all devices and setting the software to automatically check for updates on a daily basis. (Click here to learn more about anti-virus software).
Adware - This type of Malware is installed on your device without you knowing, and is designed to deliver advertisements to encourage you to purchase goods or services. If you find lots of windows with advertisements opening up all the time on your computer, even when you are not browsing the internet, then your computer may have Adware on it. They can also sometimes slow your computer down a lot, and make changes to your web browser to try and force you to go to other websites than the ones you want to.
This software is often installed on your computer without your knowledge often secretly bundled with another program you were trying to install. Sometimes though, it can be installed in ways like a virus, through an infected email attachment, USB or website.
Spyware – Software that installs on your computer or mobile device that will copy information from it usually without you knowing. The spyware is used to try to steal things like passwords and credit card/banking details, but sometimes they will take other information as well. Spyware, like adware can often get onto your computer bundled with another bit of software, but can also get onto your computer through the same types of ways viruses do.
Ransomware - This is a type of malware that makes your computer or its files unusable unless you pay a fee. Paying the fee does not guarantee that the criminal will give you back access to your files, and it could make you vulnerable to further attacks.
Some ransomware will directly tell you that it is ransomware, others may not. Some ransomware will say it is locking your computer of files on behalf of a reputable agency like the police, for committing some sort of crime and you will have to pay a “fine" to unlock it. For more information on ransomware and how to recognise it please visit: https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/protect-yourself/recover-when-things-go-wrong/ransomware
