Is your mobile device slower than usual or constantly crashing? Are there apps or programs appearing that you didn't install? Do constant pop-ups keep appearing on your screen? Or does your mobile device just feel weird? Then your device might be infected with malware. We explain here what malware is and how to protect yourself against it. The term "malware" is a combination of the words "malicious" and "software". It is a harmful program designed to damage your computer.

Types of Malware

Malware comes in different forms. Sometimes it infects your PC with a disease, sometimes it spies on you, sometimes it wants your money, and sometimes it wants to frighten you. To help you avoid being affected by malware, we list various types of malware here and explain afterward how to protect yourself.

Virus

First, there is a virus. As the name suggests, a virus is a program that copies itself and infects other computers. It attaches itself to a file or a program and becomes active only when the file or program is executed. A virus spreads by having the file passed around.

Worm

In addition to a virus, there are also worms. A worm is similar to a virus because it also copies itself. However, the difference between a virus and a worm lies in their method of infection. A worm is not attached to a file and does not need to be activated to cause harm.

Ransomware

Another type of malware that we have all likely heard of is ransomware. In a ransomware attack, all data on a computer is encrypted. When a system is infected with ransomware, you usually notice it by a textbox that appears after all the data has been encrypted. The main feature of ransomware is that a ransom is demanded for the "release" of the data. After the ransom has been paid, you are supposed to receive a key to decrypt the data. However, there is no guarantee that the attackers will actually provide the key, even if the ransom has been paid.

Trojan

Another type of malware is a Trojan. A Trojan disguises itself as a harmless program but performs unwanted actions in the background. For example, a Trojan might hide in a mobile app for a game that is then downloaded by an unsuspecting user. The Trojan can then perform actions such as downloading other files or stealing information from the computer.

Spyware

Another type of malware is spyware. The name combines the words "Spy" and "Software". It is self-explanatory what spyware is: it is malware that monitors and records activities on a computer. This data is then sent to the attacker.

Keylogger

A type of spyware is a keylogger. Its purpose is to record keystrokes and then send this information to the attacker. For example, a password can be recorded that the attacker can later use.

Scareware

Another form of malware is scareware. As the name suggests, it tries to scare the victim. This is done by pop-up windows appearing on the screen. These pop-up windows inform you that malware has been found on your device and that you need to purchase software to remove this malware. The trick here is that the software meant to remove the malware is the actual malware. These pop-ups can occur on insecure websites or in emails.

Botnet

The last type of malware introduced here is the botnet. This is a collection of computers that have been infected by malware and can now be controlled remotely by the attacker to execute actions. A botnet can send email spam or even trigger a DDoS attack.

Protection Measures Against Malware

Now that we have learned about the different types of malware, the question arises of how systems can be protected so that malware cannot enter your system.

Be Cautious When Clicking Links

An important aspect is that not every link should be clicked, whether it is a pop-up or a link in an email. You should always check if the URL makes sense. This should be done carefully, as sometimes only one letter is different. Additionally, care should be taken regarding which apps or programs are downloaded. Even in the Play Store, there may be apps that contain malware. Therefore, you should only download apps and programs from reputable providers.

Uninstall Unneeded Programs and Apps

Another point is that all programs or apps that are no longer needed should be uninstalled. Such programs or apps might be outdated and thus contain vulnerabilities. These could then be exploited, allowing attackers to access a system.

Physical Security of Devices

It is also important to mention that your mobile devices should not be left lying around carelessly, especially not unlocked. Otherwise, anyone could take your mobile device and, in the worst case, install malware.

Updates and Backups

One of the most important points is that software updates should always be installed, as this closes vulnerabilities and locks potential doors in the system. An up-to-date backup should also always be created. If malware ever gets on a device, it is not uncommon for data to be missing afterward. With a backup, this data can be easily restored.