What is Malware? How to Avoid It, Types, & How It Works

With billions of people flocking to the internet daily to socialize, shop, work and game, cyber criminals continue to hunt for victims, often using scams and schemes involving malware.

But what exactly is malware? Let’s delve into this notorious cyber threat, exploring the various types, how they work, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself against it.

What is Malware?

Malware (short for malicious software) is a computer program or code designed to infect devices like computers, servers, networks, tablets and smartphones. 

Hackers and scammers use malware to carry out various cyber crime-related activities, often to steal and exploit their target’s personal information. There are many different types of malware, with the most widespread being spyware, adware, worms, trojans, and the infamous ransomware.

While each malware type’s behaviour and operations may differ, they all share a common purpose: to infect, invade – and even disable or damage – the normal functions and processes of legitimate systems and applications.

The first large-scale computer virus outbreak (of the modern era) is believed to be the ‘Elk Cloner’, a program which began infecting Apple II systems in 1982. 

In the years that followed soon after, notably more harmful malware was developed, as the authors of infectious code began to target Microsoft’s Windows operating system (the most popular at the time). 

The rest is history, with malware evolving exponentially and taking on various forms. Today, malware is weaponized by professional scammers, hackers and organized groups to launch sophisticated attacks, with targets ranging from everyday personal users to major corporations.

Why Do Hackers Use Malware?

Cyber criminals use malware due to it being highly effective at invading and disrupting computers and systems. Successful infections can lead to computer function altering and hijacking, user activity spying (to steal passwords, etc), and the theft, encryption and deletion of critical data.

While most of the world’s headline-grabbing malware attacks tend to be financially motivated (involving extortions/ransoms of regular currency and crypto), cyber criminals may target their victims for various other reasons.

For instance, a hacking group may use malware (against an organization, business or government agency, etc) to sabotage their business and operations, disrupt a country’s infrastructure, make a political statement, or just to show off their hacking prowess for bragging rights within dark web circles.

Can Smartphones Get Malware?

While some smartphones may have better built-in safeguards against malicious software than others, the reality is that ANY device – including computers, tablets and mobiles – can be vulnerable to malware infections.

Smartphones, which are susceptible to a range of sophisticated, evolving cyber threats, are heavily targeted by hackers and fraudsters for one obvious reason: there are billions of people using them on a daily basis!

Smartphones are, after all, powerful, pocket-sized computers, capable of running apps (to perform data-sensitive tasks) like social media, email, messaging, shopping and online banking.

These examples alone can contain a wealth of sensitive personal information, all of which is highly prized by cyber criminals who hope to exploit it by developing and running numerous malware-based scams.

Types of Malware

There are various forms of malware that can invade and wreck havoc on your devices, with some engineered to covertly install itself and silently run in the background. Here are the most common types of malware:

• Adware: Designed to busy your screen with unwanted advertisements like banners and pop-ups, adware often gets installed through deceptive means, disguising itself as legitimate software, or piggybacking on trusted apps
• Spyware: This malware covertly gathers information from a user’s device activity (passwords, financial details, browsing history, etc) and then transmits it to the attacker
• Keylogger: This variety does exactly as its name states, stealthily logging a user’s keystrokes (their keyboard activity) in order to gather and steal sensitive data, including login credentials and financial information
• Virus: When unwittingly executed by a user, a virus replicates itself by modifying and inserting malicious code into other programs, documents and files on the system, which can lead to data corruption and theft
• Worm: Unlike viruses (above) which require human intervention, a worm self-replicates by exploiting security and software vulnerabilities, with the goal of quickly spreading itself across computers and networks
• Trojan: One of the most notorious forms of malware, a Trojan (named after the mythological Trojan Horse) disguises itself as legitimate software to gain system access; once installed, trojans are capable of illicit activities such as stealing sensitive data, providing backdoors for hackers, and installing additional malware (like CryptoJacking, which exploits a device’s power resources to mine cryptocurrency)
• Ransomware: Frequently featured in cyber security headlines is the infamous ransomware, which can and has affected many of the world’s industry titans; ransomware encrypts critical files and or imposes complete device lockouts, with attackers offering to provide victims with decryption keys in return for ransom payments
• Exploit: These are malicious codes/programs that exploit security flaws within software and hardware in order to gain access to systems, install malware (like ransomware and spyware), and execute other harmful activities; hackers are always trying to launch ‘zero-day exploit’ attacks which target currently un-patched software flaws
• Rootkit: This type of malware grants attackers administrator privileges and unauthorized access to an infected system, and can actively conceal its presence and activities from legitimate programs and operating systems, making it incredibly difficult for users to detect without sophisticated cyber security scans

How Do You Get Malware?

Since hackers don’t signpost their traps, it’s vital to invest in a trusted cyber security tool (for all your devices) and to practise cyber security vigilance whenever using the internet.

Users can bolster their protection by recognizing cyber crooks’ most common malware infection methods, which include:

• Phishing Scams: Phishing refers to malicious messages, such as emails, texts and social media chats, which typically involve impersonation tactics; scammers may include malware-laced attachments, and or links to fake websites (see below) featuring more harmful downloads
• Spoof Websites: Commonly landed on through phishing scam links, a spoof website mimics a reputable business or organization in order to dupe users into entering logins and personal data (which will be stolen) or downloading malware-laced files; beware third-party gaming sites offering free pirated games, mods and other content, as these downloads could also contain malicious code
• Hacked Websites: Your device could become infected if you’re simply unlucky enough to visit a legitimate website that has been hacked; it may contain malware which could mistakenly/automatically be downloaded to your device
• Unauthorized Apps: When it comes to downloading apps, it’s often wise to avoid using third-party app stores; do note, however, that dubious apps have been known to slip inside official stores (like the Android Play Store), so don’t assume that safety is ever guaranteed; read reviews, research, be on guard for any suspicious activity/permission requests, and listen to your gut

Signs Your Computer May Have Malware

While smartphone and tablet usage has soared in recent times, it’s important to not lose focus of our desktop machines when it comes to their health and vulnerability to malware. 

Remember that no application or operating system is immune to attack (including Windows, Linux and Mac), so always remain vigilant for these common computer malware signs:

• Computer Slowed Down: Malware relies on your system’s power resources to carry out its nefarious tasks, so pay attention to any unusual lag and loud (maxed-out) fan noise when running applications, both on and offline
• System Crashes: While a frozen screen or system crash (Blue Screen of Death) can happen for non-malicious reasons, these types of fatal error-related instances should not be ignored – especially if they occur frequently
• Reduced Disk Space: A mysterious loss of disk space – be it gradual or rapid – should be treated as highly suspicious, with potential malware containing bloated files, replicating itself, and downloading additional threats
• Spam Ads on Screen: Whether on your desktop or while browsing, a sudden explosion of pop-up adverts is a telltale sign that malware (likely adware) has infected your machine; don’t engage with the pop-ups, and run a full scan to remove any lurking threats using a trusted AntiVirus suite such as the TotalAV galardonado
• Internet Activity Increase: If you notice a bizarre spike in internet activity – even when your computer is idle – this may suggest the presence of malware; trojans, for example, can communicate with hackers’ remote servers to execute various nefarious deeds, like downloading additional malware and executing DDoS attacks
• Antivirus Stops Working: If Antivirus software (or any other cyber security-related tools) stop working and cannot be re-activated to protect your system, your Antivirus may have been disabled/corrupted by malware
• Browser Setting Changes: If you notice any unauthorized browser setting changes, such as new toolbars, add-ons/extensions, or a different homepage/search engine, your device may have a Browser Hijacker infection; run a full AntiVirus scan, remove any dubious extensions, reset your browser settings, and finally, re-enable your trusted extensions
• Computer Lockout: If you’ve lost access to your files or system entirely, you may be facing a ransomware attack; you’ll know this to be true if you find a ransom note asking for money in exchange for a decryption key to unlock your files (hackers usually leave this on victims’ desktops)

Signs Your Smartphone or Tablet May Have Malware

Just like their desktop machine counterparts, our smart devices are also susceptible to cyber threats. For that reason, it’s imperative that users pay close attention to any strange activity that could be symptomatic of a malware infection.

Remember that no application or operating system is immune to attack (including Android and even Apple’s iOS), so ensure that you remain vigilant for these common signs of malware:

• Unrecognized Apps: If you notice apps you don’t recall downloading, or spot an app behaving strangely, treat this with suspicion as even seemingly trustworthy apps (including those found on official platforms like the Android Play Store) could potentially hide malware
• Spam Ads on Screen: Just as with computers, smart devices can also suffer from harmful adware infections, which produce invasive, annoying pop-up adverts leading to dubious websites; ignore them and make it a priority to remove the malware using reputable AntiVirus
• Contacts Receive Scam Emails: If your contacts receive strange emails/messages from ‘you’ containing dubious requests, attachments or links, etc, a hacker may be using your accounts to distribute impersonation scams; scan and remove any lurking malware (that may have scraped your logins), change any affected account passwords, and notify contacts of the suspected breach
• Unauthorized Internet Connection: If your smartphone or tablet mysteriously connects itself to WiFi or mobile data (without any user approval), this may be indicative of malware attempting to open network infection channels
• Data Usage/Bill Increase: An unexpected increase in data usage – and perhaps your monthly phone bill – could be due to malware covertly executing malicious tasks, like transmitting stolen data, downloading additional malware, and calling/texting premium numbers
• Hot Device/Fast-Draining Battery: Never ignore an overheated device or fast-draining battery, especially if it doesn’t settle when idle; malware like trojans, which use internet data to communicate with hackers’ remote servers, can push your processor and memory power to the limit, and even cause battery degradation

How Do You Remove Malware?

Have you noticed any signs of a malware infection on your device? Even if it’s just a gut feeling that something may be awry, don’t waste any time looking into it – as your important files, accounts and personal information may be at risk.

Here are some essential steps that need to be taken to identify and remove any potential lurking threats on your device:

• Use AntiVirus Tools: Nowadays, everyone should be protecting their various internet-connect devices with cyber security software; if you’re not already, download and install an AntiVirus app, such as the Award-Winning TotalAV, available on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
• Scan & Remove Threats: Next, run a full system scan to identify, quarantine and remove potential malware; TotalAV uses advanced cloud scanning technology to uncover and eliminate zero-day threats and suspicious files, including trojans, spyware and ransomware
• Change Passwords: With your device threat-free, check your online accounts for suspicious activity and also change your passwords (since, prior to being removed, snooping malware may have already captured some login credentials); do this for all accounts, including email, online banking, shopping and social media, and strongly consider activating MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

How to Protect Your Devices from Malware

With countless forms of online scams and malware being distributed every day, AntiVirus protection and personal vigilance have become critical aspects of cyber security. 

And so, with a prevention-based approach in mind, let’s explore the top ways to protect your devices and sensitive data:

• Avoid Phishing Emails: One of the most common ways malware infections occur is through phishing scams, so be cautious with suspicious emails (plus texts and social media) purporting to be from trusted people/companies; before downloading attachments, check for red flags like generic greetings, strange sender addresses, spelling errors and deceptive spoof website links (by hovering the cursor over them to reveal the true destination)
• Beware Spoof Websites: Be on guard for spoof websites impersonating legitimate companies like retailers, social media and online banking, especially if you arrived through a link (see above); cutting edge cyber security tools like Total WebShield can detect and block spoof websites, helping you to avoid fake login pages, malware-laced downloads, and other malicious content
• Avoid Dubious Downloads: It’s never worth downloading free versions of software (including apps, games and add-ons) from third-party/suspicious websites, as they may be encoded with malware; also, it’s generally best to avoid pop-up adverts, especially those offering deals that seem too-good-to-be-true, and lead to websites with strange domains and suspicious content
• Use Official App Stores: Leading directly on, it’s therefore inherently safer to download software and games, etc, from trusted websites/platforms, like the official Android, Apple and Microsoft app stores; always read reviews and permission requests (even when using official stores, as dubious apps can sometimes slip inside)
• Utilice contraseñas seguras: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique, unrepeated passwords; use MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) where possible, and consider using a time-busting tool like Contraseña total, which can securely create and store strong passwords for you, making ‘logins amnesia’ a frustration of the past
• Mantenga actualizado el software: Don’t neglect keeping your devices’ software (including operating systems, browsers, apps and plugins) up to date, as the latest security patches offer increased protection against new exploits; also, since ‘more apps (technically) equals more vulnerability’, consider deleting those you no longer use
• Backup Your Data Regularly: Whether you prefer the cloud or local storage options like external hard drives, ensure that you make regular backups of your data (to avoid losing it to unmerciful threats like ransomware)
• Use AntiVirus Tools: While vigilance is vital, there’s always a chance for human error when it comes to spotting deceptive threats like phishing scams; trusted cyber security apps, like the TotalAV galardonado, are often your first line of defense, scanning your system and new downloads in real-time for the very latest malware and zero-day threats, including trojans and spyware