Archives - Malicious Software


Download software only from reputable companies and sources

Installing a new program onto your computer is risky business. If you’re not careful, the software you downloaded may be malware in disguise — a scheme to access your private information. Before you install any software, ask yourself these questions: How did I find this software? Did I seek it out or did they find […]

Avoid downloading apps for features your device is already capable of

Some users may download something like a QR code scanner or camera app without realizing their smartphone has these apps and features pre-installed. While some of these other apps may be safe, a lot of them can be a front for malicious software. Installing them may lead to your data being stolen or a loss […]

If someone is offering a game for free on a forum, it could contain malware

A general rule of thumb is: “If it’s free, it’s probably too good to be true.” Hackers have been lacing game files with cryptomining malware that could steal your information and affect your computer’s performance. Be sure to only download files like games from reliable sources.

Use discretion when installing third party apps

When you download a new app onto your phone, that program often requests access to the information on your device. If you deny access, you might be limited in what you can do on the app, or you might not even be able to use it at all. For this reason, you should use discretion […]

Be cautious when public charging mobile devices

Avoid connecting your smartphone to any computer or charging station that you do not control, such as a charging station at an airport terminal or a shared computer at a library. Connecting a mobile device to a computer using a USB cable can allow software running on that computer to interact with the phone in […]

Don’t install anything you didn’t specifically go looking for

During the course of web browsing, you may find yourself implored by a popup ad to install something, often a piece of security software. A good rule of thumb here is to just avoid installing anything you didn’t go looking for. That will save you the trouble of downloading potentially risky software that won’t provide […]