Malware infographic detected!

Malware MalwareMalicious software ("malware") designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Common forms of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. It can: • Intimidate you with scareware, which is usually a pop-up message that tells you your computer has a security problem or other false information. • Reformat the hard drive of your computer causing you to lose all your information. • Alter or delete files. • Steal sensitive information. • Send emails on your behalf. • Take control of your computer and all the software running on it. is like the OG cyber threat Cyber threatA threat actor, using the internet, who takes advantage of a known vulnerability in a product for the purposes of exploiting a network and the information the network carries. . It’s been around in di­fferent forms for decades. It’s been the subject of movies, conspiracy theories and news stories since before household computers were common.

But despite how prolific malware is, you may be unfamiliar with the ins and outs of it. By learning the basics, you can protect your devices from potential disaster.

58% Of Canadians are concerned about malware ^Footnote1

2 in 5 Canadians have had malware on their computer

Malware isn’t just viruses, but viruses are a type of malware

Viruses

Malicious programs that can infect your computer and device and spread to others, such as those on your contact lists

Worms

Malicious programs that are not attached to files or programs and that can activate and make copies of themselves without user action

Trojan horses

Malicious programs disguised as or hidden in legitimate software

Spyware and adware

Malware that collects information about you and your activities for a third party

Ransomware

Malware that locks your device and data until you pay

Malware comes from many different places

• Illegal downloads
• unofficial app stores
• email attachments
• suspicious links

94% of malware is received via email ^Footnote2

And if your device is infected with malware, it can cause

• Freezing and crashing
• Poor performance
• Unwanted popups and toolbars
• Sending out unwanted emails

And sometimes, you don’t even realize that it’s there.

That’s why anti-virus software Anti-virus softwareSoftware that defends against viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware. Anti-virus software uses a scanner to identify programs that are or may be malicious. Scanners can detect known viruses, previously unknown viruses and suspicious files. is so important.

Your os can’t protect you. 

Many people think that non-windows computers can’t get malware.

But that’s not true anymore.

400% increase in mac threats between 2018 and 2019 ^Footnote3

Let software SoftwareA computer program that provides instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality. do the hard work

93% of Canadians are aware of anti-virus software ^Footnote4

48% of Canadians actually use it

So, since we can’t stress this enough:

Install anti-virus VirusA computer program that can spread by making copies of itself. Computer viruses spread from one computer to another, usually without the knowledge of the user.  Viruses can have harmful effects, ranging from displaying irritating messages to stealing data or giving other users control over the infected computer. software

And follow other cyber safe practices like

Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Downloading only from trusted sources

Avoiding suspicious links and files

Get more tips to protect yourself and your devices at Getcybersafe.ca