First published: 20 Sep 2023
Last updated: 10 Nov 2023

Content written for

Individuals & families
Small & medium business

Malware is the term used to refer to any type of code or program that is used for a malicious purpose.

Cybercriminals often use malware as just one stage in a larger attack. For example, they can use malware to steal sensitive information then use that information to extort their victim or steal their identity. They can also use malware to record everything their victim types, including their usernames and passwords, then use that information to access their victim’s sensitive accounts.

Common types of malware include adware, keyloggers, worms, ransomware, spyware, trojans and viruses.

Follow the steps in this guide to significantly reduce your risk of being affected by malware.

Secure your device to protect yourself against malware

Protect yourself from scams

Being alert to scam messages is a great way to protect yourself online. Learn to spot scams.

  • Don’t click on links if you think the message might not be legitimate. Often, scammers pretend to be a person or organisation you trust.
  • Don’t download files if they have a different file extension than what you were expecting (for example, a file that ends in .exe or .msi when you were expecting a PDF or image).
  • Don’t plug anything into your device that you do not trust. Malware can be delivered through chargers, cables, USB mass storage/flash drives and many more. If you don’t know where it's been or you do not trust the manufacturer or person, do not plug it in.
  • Don’t allow image previews in your emails from non-trusted sources. Viruses can attach themselves to images, this can be disabled in the settings or options of the program you are using.
  • Don’t download applications from third-party download sites that are not widely known to be legitimate. Use the official store for your device instead. For example, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or the Microsoft Store.
  • Don’t click on online ads to download applications, and do use ad-blocking software.
  • Don’t download and install applications from peer-to-peer networks; you never know who has changed the files.
  • Don’t click on links in emails or instant messages, or execute attachments unless you are sure they are legitimate. Use a spam filter to protect yourself from malicious messages. If you want to log in to a service or account, visit their website directly rather than clicking on a link that may not be legitimate.
  • Don’t install applications received from contacts, say via email or USB sticks, without scanning them with your antivirus application first.

Extra Steps for Small Business

More information

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