Malware and viruses have been around since computers first became household staples. They’ve been depicted in cartoons and movies for just as long, to the point that it seems very obvious where issues can arise. Many people have been trained to spot weird advertisements and strange looking links, knowing better than to click on them or else acquire some sort of malware on the device. These days, however, the traps are more sophisticated and far nastier than they’ve been in the past.
The tricks we learned to spot malicious software no longer apply to the world of today. We need to improve the way we approach viruses because they are getting much more sophisticated and legitimate than the threats of decades long past.
Malicious occurrences on mobile devices
While many people believe that mobile devices are exempt from threats such as Trojans or other malware products, they are sadly mistaken. Because websites, emails and various Internet pages look different for a mobile platform, we are more likely to click or download something dangerous than we would on a computer.
According to KITV, users are far more likely to allow a wide array of permissions for mobile video games when they don’t require access to the microphone or camera. It’s possible the creators of the application or those who made a copy-cat app are using them as a front to get information from you. Use your best judgment and allow as few permissions as possible.
‘Bad’ news for television fans
Fans of the popular show “Breaking Bad” have experienced some issues with infected computers thanks to crypto-ransomware from downloading nasty zip files. Cybercriminals are holding computers hostage remotely, and demanding $1,000 for their release, reported The Australian. This is a very sophisticated form of malware, as it appears to be legitimate, even going as far as opening the zip file once it’s been downloaded.
The best way to get rid of the virus without emptying your wallet is to wipe the device clean, but this can lead to massive problems if you haven’t backed up your system. The best practice is to update your computer as often as possible to avoid issues with lost data and lots of frustration.
Those who wish to infect your devices with malware will only get more creative to get access to your information. It’s highly recommended to back up your data on a cloud platform to make the process even easier.
