Malware
Malicious software installed on an electronic device unknowingly and performs criminal actions for a third party, it tries to steal personal data or make money off of the user.
They intrude onto our electronic devices through (a) Malicious Apps (b) Spyware (c) Public WIFI (d) No proper end to end encryption (e) Unused or inactive Apps (f) Unused or Stolen devices (g) IoT mobile security (h) Botnets (i) Phishing (j) No proper password protection (k) Using default passwords
The malware method is mostly implemented for ransomware crimes where systems are encrypted on the user end exploit them by demanding ransom for decryption keys or else losing of data is the only way. Some of the malware removal tools are (a) Malware Bytes (b)Hitman Pro. In the case of the decryption process, you might find the decryption methodology at www.nomoreransom.org
Forms of Malware :
- A worm could be a harmful program that tricks as a real program, and is usually downloaded onto devices by unknowing users.
- A virus is independent and duplicates itself: It contains code that copies itself into other files on the system. Viruses may camouflage with within the code of a real program.
- A worm is additionally self-replicating, but it copies itself into entirely different computers within the network.
An Example – Adware Malware :
- The trojan phase: First, a user opens an email with the topic line “you got a match”. A Member who receives get excited download the attachment, However, “you got a match” is truly an executable file.
- The virus phase: This adware malware, gets installed whoever clicks on the executable file
- The worm phase: This adware malware, making it likely every ping a user gets an annoying ad notification instead of a message from a possible date.
Recent Joker Malware Attack :
Joker malware has now been again after Sep 2019 in two variants in Jun 2020, (a) Dropper (b) Premium Dailer spyware have been discovered in the play store and these were found hiding inside of many of the genuine android apps.
The malware is known for its ability to sneak into a user’s device and ask for contact access and manages to take phone call permissions as well. This joker malware subscribes to paid subscriptions without your consent. It steals you’re SMS messages and picks up OTP to authenticate payments.
If you are using Android Phones, avoid using free apps like scanner, torch lite, SMS, love messages, alarm, memory games, cache removers, wallpapers, app locks, image converters, translation apps and check also check your mobile and credit card bills to check if you have been signed up for any subscriptions and unsubscribe
Tips to be safe from Malware :
- Update your OS and apps promptly – Update device software as improvements is made to increase security and eliminate weaknesses.
- Lock your devices – Your device may contain sensitive business and personal information, so implement fingerprint scanning and facial identification or a 4-to-6, digit passcode to unlock your device.
- Utilise built in mobile device management features – Implement Find My iPhone and Android’s Find My Device, It shall be useful to delete data when its lost.
- Use the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wisely – Free public Wi-Fi connection in areas like shopping centers, cafes, airports, parks or gyms, is often far less secure. It’s also a good idea to enable Bluetooth and WIFI only when in use.
- Use two-factor authentication wherever possible – Use Two factor authentication (2FA), it requires an additional step and this feature can help you be secure from getting compromised.
- Manage app permissions – Revoke permissions when not required like access to the camera, the microphone, your contacts and location when not in use. For iPhones, go to Settings and tap on Privacy for Android users can find app permissions in the Application Manager.
- Phishing emails – We shouldn’t click on links in promotional emails, short links, or open suspicious attachments or run updates that are prompted through email. Please check the email headers thoroughly before responding.
- Back up your data – For an Android phone, make sure “Back up my data” and “Automatic restore” are enabled in the settings and then sync your data with Google. For an Apple Phone, go the settings and then back up to iCloud.
- Use an antivirus app – Antivirus apps like Norton, Avast, McAfee and ESET can help overcome any possible threats.
- Know where your apps come from -. Install apps only from App Store for iPhones and from Play-store for Android Phones.
