Saving the world

How to protect yourself from malware

As the use of computers and mobile devices has become increasingly commonplace, so has the need to protect oneself from malware. Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can be disguised as legitimate software, which makes it difficult to identify and avoid. The best way to protect yourself from malware is to keep your computer and mobile devices up-to-date with the latest security features, practice safe browsing habits, and use reputable security software.

Updating your computer and mobile devices with the latest security features is the best way to protect yourself from malware. Newer versions of operating systems and apps are usually released with improved security features that make it more difficult for malware to infect your device. It’s important to regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they’re available. You can typically find update notifications in your device’s settings menu.

In addition to updating your devices, you should also practice safe browsing habits. This means being careful about the websites you visit and the links you click. Avoid clicking on pop-ups or ads, especially if you don’t know where they came from. When downloading new software, only do so from reputable sources. And be sure to read reviews before downloading anything, as they can be helpful in identifying malicious software masquerading as legitimate programs.

Finally, using reputable security software can also help protect you from malware. There are many different security programs available, both for individual devices and for networks of devices. Choose a security program that offers features like real-time protection, malware scanning, and automatic updates. Be sure to read reviews to find the best security program for your needs.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from malware and keep your computer and mobile devices safe..Click for source

A brief history of malware

What is malware?

Malware is a type of malicious software that is designed to damage or disable computers, servers, networks, or other electronic devices. It can also be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information.

Malware is often spread via email attachments or links to malicious websites. It can also be installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent.

How did malware get its start?

The first recorded instance of malware dates back to 1974, when a computer programmer created a piece of code that disrupted the operation of a computer system. This code, which was dubbed the “Curse of Norton,” caused the computer to crash and displayed a message that read “Norton is Curse.”

In the 1980s, as personal computers became more widespread, malware began to be used as a tool for political and social engineering. The first major instance of this was the 1984 viruses known as the “Brain” and “Pakistani” viruses, which were designed to infect IBM PCs and spread themselves via floppy disks.

These viruses caused significant damage to the computers they infected, and the Pakistani government was accused of using them to spread propaganda.

In the 1990s, malware became more sophisticated and began to be used for more malicious purposes, such as stealing information or extorting money from victims. The first major instance of this was the 1995 virus known as the “Melissa” virus, which infected over one million computers and caused over $80 million in damages.

The 2000s saw the rise of ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom for the decrypt key. The first major instance of this was the 2006 virus known as the “Gpcode” virus, which infected over 12,000 computers and successfully extorted over $100,000 from its victims.

In the 2010s, malware has become increasingly sophisticated and has been used for a wide variety of purposes, such as espionage, data theft, and destruction. The most notable instance of this was the 2014 virus known as the “Heartbleed” virus, which affected over half a million websites and exposed the sensitive information of over four million people.

What is the future of malware?

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the threat of malware. In the future, we can expect to see more sophisticated and destructive forms of malware, as well as more targeted attacks. We can also expect to see an increase in the use of ransomware, as it has proven to be an effective way for attackers to extort money from victims.

Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about malware. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.