Networks of computers infected by malware and controlled remotely by cybercriminals, usually for financial gain or to launch attacks on websites or networks. Many botnets are designed to harvest data, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information.

Try to stick to your own devices when possible, if only for the security benefits. When you use someone else’s laptop or tablet, you have no assurance that it isn’t infected with malware or running a keylogger.

Many PC video games require activation, via unique product keys that come with official copies. There’s an entire cottage industry of downloadable “cracks” purporting to enable access even if you didn’t purchase a legitimate copy. However, many of these programs are malware. In general, video game piracy is high-risk/low-reward and should be avoided.

A type of malware that replicates itself over and over within a computer. Most cybercrime starts with malware. Cybercriminals use it to access your computer or mobile device to steal your personal information like your Social Security number, passwords, credit card information, or bank account information, to commit fraud. Once cybercriminals have your personal information, […]

BitTorrent is a popular way to download content from the internet. It comes with many risks, though, including bandwidth throttling by your ISP and possible malware infection. Use alternatives or, at the very least, guard your activity with a VPN.

Many malware variants are stored in RAM, meaning that once you reset the device in question, they disappear. This was the case for the VPN Filter malware that affected many routers. Reboot regularly to stay safe.