In this article, Watchlist Internet explains how you can tell whether your device has been infected with malware and what you can do to minimize the damage.
Recognize different types of malware
In order to minimize the damage caused by infected programs, the first step is to recognize that it is malware. To do this, you should know what malware exists and what threat they pose:
- Adware: If new windows suddenly pop up while surfing the Internet and show you unwanted advertising, your device is probably infected with adware.
Compared to other malware, adware is relatively harmless. In most cases, your data is still recorded in order to adapt advertising to your needs. - Botnets: If your computer or laptop is infected, it can be used to create a botnet. You don't even notice the malware. Criminals can, for example, paralyze websites (DDOS attacks) or spam or phishing emails .
- Keylogger: A keylogger is hardware or software that records your keyboard entries.
This can be practical, but it is also used by criminals. These can access everything you type on your keyboard - from credit card details to passwords. - Ransomware: In a ransomware attack, your data or system is locked or encrypted by the malicious software. The criminals demand a ransom for the release. Since it is not certain whether you will actually receive your data back after payment, you should not respond to the demands !
- Scareware: The English word “scare” means “to frighten” and that is exactly what scareware works with.
False virus alerts are designed to deceive you and scare you into downloading a supposed antivirus program. But only by downloading this alleged security program do you load malware onto your device. - Spyware: This type of malware is difficult for those affected to detect.
In the background, spyware records your surfing and usage behavior in order to then commercially exploit the data and pass it on to third parties. - Trojans: Malicious code or scripts are hidden in programs that appear legitimate.
In this case, you install the malware yourself. - Viruses and worms: What viruses and worms have in common is that they spread quickly. Viruses and worms are often linked to other types of malware (e.g. adware, spyware or ransomware). While a virus needs a “host”, a worm can copy itself independently – i.e. without human intervention. However, viruses can only spread if you run an infected program and activate the virus.
If you feel that your device is infected with malware and notice unusual behavior (e.g. emails are being sent in your name), scan your device with an antivirus program.
Remove malware from your laptop or PC
If one of your devices is affected by malware, you should not panic. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Finish your work and turn off your computer.
- Malware removal is challenging. If you don't feel safe, you should get support. This also makes sense in order to have a second (uninfected) computer available.
- The easiest way to remove it is with a so-called rescue solution. Providers of antivirus software usually make them available for you to download free of charge. At the end of this step-by-step guide we link different rescue solutions. Download the file provided there on another (uninfected) device and save it either on a self-burned CD or on a USB stick.
- Insert the CD into the infected device or plug in the USB stick, turn the device back on and open the BIOS setup. Depending on your device, you may have to press different keys while the computer is booting up to get into this setup. Del, Esc, F1, F2, F10 or F12 are often used. When the device boots up, you will often be shown which key to press.
- If you are in the BIOS setup, select the BOOT menu item and select the CD drive or USB port as the first position. Select “Exit and Save”, then the operating system will be loaded by the rescue solution.
- Now you can check the device using the scan function of the rescue solutions.
- If malware has been found, you should immediately be given the opportunity to remove it.
- Then scan your device again to make sure that the malware has been removed.
- Finally, you should check whether data or programs have been deleted or encrypted. If this is the case, access your backup copies and restore the affected files or programs. If sensitive data has been read, you should also change all passwords
- Report it to the police. Especially if your data was stolen as a result of the attack, the police should know if crimes are being carried out in your name.
These rescue solutions will help you remove the malware:
Remove malware from your smartphone or tablet
- Try to find out what is causing any unusual activity on your smartphone or tablet. If you recently downloaded a new app and have noticed unusual activity since then, uninstall that app.
- Install an antivirus program and scan your device.
- If malware has been detected, restart your smartphone or tablet in safe mode. This will ensure that no harmful programs are reloaded. How you restart your device in Safe Mode depends on the device manufacturer. Search the Internet for instructions for your device.
- In Safe Mode, you should be able to remove the malicious program under Settings -> Apps.
- Change any passwords that the malware may have been able to read.
- In this case, too, report it to the police.
You might also be interested in: “ Attention: Cleaner apps for Android bring malware ”
Source : Watchlist Internet
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