Cyber Threat: Malware

What is Malware?

Malware, short for malicious software, is any program or code created to gain unauthorized access to devices, networks or sensitive data. Cybercriminals use malware to steal credentials, spy on users, encrypt files for ransom or remotely control systems without detection.

Stylized graphic of a dark computer interface with red code lines and a glowing red hexagon icon, symbolizing malware detection or infection within a system.

Four common types of malware

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts files and locks users out of their devices, demanding a ransom in exchange for restored access. These attacks can disrupt operations and may result in permanent data loss if backups or decryption keys are unavailable.

Trojan horses

Trojan horses are disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installing them. Once inside, Trojans can exploit security vulnerabilities, steal sensitive data or download additional malware without the user's knowledge.

Illustration of a web browser interface with a glowing red download button and a red hexagon icon showing a Trojan horse, representing a deceptive download link used to deliver malware. A cursor hovers over the button, indicating user interaction with a potentially harmful site.

Spyware

Spyware secretly monitors user activity to gather sensitive information, such as passwords and financial details. It silently sends stolen data to cybercriminals in the background, making it challenging to detect.

Graphic of a dark screen displaying exposed passwords, IP addresses, and location data, with a glowing red hexagon featuring a warning icon over a computer monitor. The image represents spyware silently harvesting sensitive information from an infected system.

Viruses

Viruses are malware that latch onto legitimate files and spread when those files are opened or shared. They can corrupt data and spread across devices and networks, causing further damage.

Illustration of a dark file system interface showing multiple folders, with several highlighted in red and a cursor hovering over one. The red folders symbolize files or directories infected by a computer virus, indicating system compromise or malicious file activity.

How does malware infect devices?

Stylized image of a computer screen displaying a fake login form with a red cursor hovering over the input field. The visual represents a phishing attempt designed to trick users into entering credentials into a deceptive, malicious interface.

Phishing emails or messages

Phishing emails or messages appear to come from trusted sources, deceiving users into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments.

Illustration of a glowing red warning label displaying a deceptive URL, 'www.bankofamirica.com,' mimicking a legitimate banking site. The alert icon highlights a spoofed domain intended to trick users through visual similarity, representing a spoofing attack.

Spoofed websites

Spoofed websites are made to look like legitimate sites, often using similar URLs or branding to trick users into entering login credentials or downloading malware.

Illustration of a download list interface with a red download icon on one item, indicating a potentially malicious or infected file. The visual highlights the risk of downloading harmful content from untrusted or deceptive sources.

Infected downloads

Once an infected file or app is downloaded and opened, malware can install itself and start stealing data or damaging systems.

Signs of malware

Slow device

A sudden slowdown in performance is one of the earliest signs of malware. Malware consumes resources while running in the background, causing apps to lag, freeze or crash more frequently than normal.

Stylized graphic of a laptop screen with a red loading spinner in the center, symbolizing system slowdown. The dark interface and glowing red elements suggest performance issues potentially caused by malware running in the background.

Overheating

Malware often runs hidden processes that strain a device's CPU, leading to loud fan activity, overheating and unusually fast battery drain.

Graphic of a laptop screen displaying a nearly empty red battery icon, symbolizing excessive power consumption. The dark interface and glowing red tones suggest system strain, often caused by malware running hidden processes that drain battery life and overheat the device.

Excessive pop-ups

An increase in pop-up ads or random browser redirects may indicate a malware infection. Pop-ups often appear outside of normal browsing activity and may lead users to spoofed websites.

Illustration of a laptop screen with multiple glowing red pop-up windows, symbolizing intrusive and frequent pop-ups caused by malware. The dark background emphasizes the disruptive nature of unauthorized messages or ads appearing on an infected device.

How to prevent malware infections

Learn how to spot phishing attempts

Phishing emails and messages are the most common ways malware is delivered. Watch for suspicious senders, urgent language and unsolicited requests for personal information to avoid opening malicious links or attachments.

Keep your software up to date

Outdated software typically contains security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit using malware. Regularly installing updates and patches helps close these gaps and reduce the risk of infection.

Be cautious with links and attachments

Malicious links and attachments can install malware as soon as they're opened. Never download files or click links from unknown sources, especially messages that urge you to act quickly.

Store credentials securely in a password manager

Weak or reused passwords make it easy for malware to steal credentials. Using a secure password manager like Keeper^® helps protect login credentials with strong encryption.

Reduce malware risk with endpoint privilege management

Businesses can use Keeper's Endpoint Privilege Manager to enforce least-privilege access, helping to prevent users from installing or running malware. By controlling privilege elevation, organizations reduce the risk of malware gaining access to critical systems.