Malware: Everything you need to know

Un malware is a malicious program that causes damage to systems. Despite this, this is too broad a term to be defined in one line. Therefore, throughout this article we will tell you everything you need to know about this type of code.

For what purpose is it used?

Un malware They can have different objectives, but they are usually used to steal information or hijack computers. to perform attacks.

Information theft

This objective is the most common, since the majority of people behind this type of malicious programs are «hackers» who are looking for Bank data from the affected user to subsequently extract the money. Although not only is this type of information stolen, but They also extract compromised images to later coerce said person to send you money in exchange for not publishing said photos.

Computer hijacking

Another purpose for which malware is used is for computer recruitment, which are infected and controlled from a central PC. As soon as a considerable fleet is available, they are used to launch DDoS attacks, send mass emails, mine a cryptocurrency, etc.

How do they infect us?

This may be the million-dollar question, since the people behind all this have very diverse knowledge and strategies. But the most common ways to get infected with malware

1. Using a message via email. This email can be of different themes: an invoice, a document, a file... To avoid putting malware on our computer without us realizing it, we must pay close attention to the origin of the emails, since they usually have a strange appearance. , so they are usually easy to detect.
2. File downloaded from the Internet. Another typical way of getting infected is by downloading files from dubious-looking websites. As a tip, before downloading any program we must make sure that the page where we are going to download it has the SSL certificate, and also, once you have downloaded it, before installing it it is advisable to analyze it with the antivirus.
3. Paid software cracks. Sometimes free things are expensive. And, there are many users who, in order to save a few euros, decide to download a cracked payment program so that they can have it without limitations. The problem is that it is a very easy means to introduce malware.

In short, these are the most common methods with which your computer can become infected. Although there are others methods, which are less frequent:

1. Through a USB.
2. Taking advantage of bugs in browsers.
3. Applications of dubious origin.

How to protect ourselves from malware?

Un malware It can damage our computer and/or extract sensitive information. Therefore, it is convenient to know what type of anti-malware protection We need to avoid surprises:

• Install an antivirus. There are different tools on the market that fulfill this function, among which we can highlight Avast. Apart from installing it, we will have to carry out an analysis every week.
• Keep your equipment up to date. These types of updates usually come accompanied by security patches to make it more difficult for malware to enter your PC.
• Detect infected websites. Detecting an infected website is important for the health of our computer, so if we are not sure that a page is benign we should analyze it carefully. Safe Browsing.

With these three simple tips you can keep yourself safe from any type of malware.