Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In this guide, you will learn:
- What is a Malware?
- How can I get infected?
- How can I prevent infection?
- How can Trend Micro protect me from malware?
- How can I check if there’s a malware on my device?
What is a Malware?
Malicious software or malware, are programs or files that performs malicious activity without users consent. Its main intention is to do harmful effects to the device.
How can I get infected?
Users who visit malicious or compromised websites may have downloaded the malware, unwittingly. Malware can also arrive as a payload that another malware has either dropped or downloaded. Some are delivered as attachments to spammed email.
Once ran in the device, a malware can either do things such as exploitation, remote control, information theft, deception, corruption and more.
How can I prevent infection?
- Always check who the email sender is
If the email is supposedly coming from a bank, verify with your bank if the message is legitimate. If the email came from a personal contact, confirm if your contact sent the message. Do not rely solely on trust by virtue of relationship, as your friend or family member may be a victim of spammers as well.
- Double-check the content of the message
There are obvious factual errors or discrepancies that you can spot. For example, if your bank or a friend claim that they have received something from you, try to go to your recently sent items to double-check their claim. Such spammed messages can also use other social engineering lures to persuade users to open the message.
- Avoid clicking links in email
It is safer to visit any site mentioned in email directly. If you have to click on a link in email, make sure your browser uses web reputation services to check the link, or you can use free services such as Trend Micro Site Safety Center.
- Always ensure your software is up to date
Regularly updating installed software provides another layer of security against many attacks.
- Backup important data
One good practice is to ensure you have the latest backups of your files. The 3-2-1 principle should be in play: three copies, two different media, one separate location.
- Download from legitimate sites or sources
Only download programs and files from credible websites and not from other sites that just indicate they have the actual file or program.
How can Trend Micro protect me from malware?
Trend Micro Security blocks these threats from possible points of infection. It prevents access to dangerous websites, including harmful links from social networks, spam and email messages. It also warns the user about running recently downloaded files.
- For PC users, install Trend Micro Maximum Security to stop malware, fraud, phishing, email hacking, and other targeted attacks on your PC and online accounts.
- For mobile users, get the same protection with ...
- Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android phones and tablets.
- Trend Micro Mobile Security for iPhones and iPads.
- Trend Micro Check to stop spam and scam texts, and check scammers websites and scammer phone numbers.
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How can I check if there’s a malware on my device?
Malware can manifest in various ways, affecting your device's performance and security. Recognizing these signs early can help you take prompt action to mitigate potential damage.
Signs of Malware
- Slow Performance: Malware can consume system resources, leading to slower performance.
- Unexplained Data Usage: Malicious apps might run in the background and use your internet or mobile data.
- Pop-ups or Ads: Unexpected pop-ups, even when you’re not browsing, can indicate the presence of adware or malware.
- Unfamiliar Applications or Processes: If there are apps you didn’t install or processes you don’t recognize, it could be malware.
Look for Signs of Malware on all devices
▼ Check Malware on Windows
Windows devices are commonly targeted by malware. Follow these steps to identify and remove any malicious software from your Windows computer.
- Check for Suspicious Behavior:
- Slow Performance: If your computer is running slow, check for high CPU usage.
- Pop-ups or Ads: Frequent, unexpected pop-ups could indicate adware.
- High Data Usage: If your internet usage spikes, malware might be using your connection.
- Open Task Manager to Check Running Processes:
- Open Task Manager: Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager; or press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open it directly.
- Check Running Processes: Under the Processes tab, look for any unfamiliar programs that are using high CPU, Memory, or Disk resources.
- Uninstall Suspicious Applications
- Go to Settings: Click the Start menu, then go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Review Installed Apps: Scroll through the list of installed applications and uninstall any that seem unfamiliar or unnecessary by selecting the app and clicking Uninstall.
- Run a Full Malware Scan
- Use Windows Defender: Open Windows Security from the Start menu, then click Virus & threat protection, then select Quick Scan or Full Scan.
- Use Trend Micro Security for Windows: Download and Install Trend Micro, then scan for viruses.
▼ Check Malware on Mac
macOS devices can also be targeted by malware. Follow these steps to check for and remove any malicious software from your Mac.
- Check Activity Monitor for Suspicious Processes:
- Open Activity Monitor: Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
- Review Resource Usage: Look at the CPU and Memory tabs for high-resource apps or processes that seem suspicious. Use a web search to verify unknown processes.
- Uninstall Suspicious Applications
- Open Finder: Go to Finder > Applications.
- Remove Apps: Drag suspicious apps to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
- Check and Remove Browser Extensions
- Safari: Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions. Uninstall any unwanted or suspicious extensions.
- Chrome: Open Chrome > More Tools > Extensions. Remove any unwanted extensions.
- Run a Malware Scan
- Use Built-in Security Tools: macOS includes XProtect for malware protection.
- Use Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac: Download and Install Trend Micro, then scan for viruses.
▼ Check Malware on Android
Android devices can be vulnerable to malware, especially from apps installed outside of the Google Play Store. Follow these steps to check and remove malware.
- Check Running Apps
- Open Settings: Go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications on some devices).
- Review Running and Installed Apps: Tap See all apps to view the full list of installed apps. Check for unfamiliar or suspicious apps, especially those using a lot of resources.
- Uninstall Suspicious Apps
- Go to Apps in Settings: Tap on the suspicious app and select Uninstall.
- Clear Cache (optional): Go to Settings > Storage > Cached data to clear unnecessary data that could be left by malicious apps.
- Run a Malware Scan
- Use Google Play Protect: Open the Google Play Store. Tap the Menu icon (three lines), then select Play Protect and tap Scan.
- Use Trend Micro Mobile Security: Download and Install Trend Micro, then scan for viruses.
▼ Check Malware on iPhone or iPad
iOS devices are generally secure, but they are not immune to malware. Follow these steps to check for and remove any malicious software on your iPhone or iPad.
- Review Installed Apps
- Open Settings: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Check for Unfamiliar Apps: Scroll through the list of apps and check for anything unfamiliar or using a large amount of storage.
- Remove Suspicious Apps
- Uninstall Apps: Press and hold the app icon on the Home Screen. Tap the X or select Remove App, then choose Delete.
- Clear Safari Cache (if necessary)
- Clear History and Data: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove potential malicious web content.
- Install Security Apps (if needed)
iOS is generally secure, but you can add an extra layer by installing Trend Micro Mobile Security, then to scan for viruses.
Final Tips
Taking proactive steps can help you prevent malware infections and maintain the security of your devices. Here are some final tips to keep your devices safe.
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update your OS and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Avoid Suspicious Downloads: Be cautious of what you download or install, especially from unknown sources.
- Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Secure your accounts to protect sensitive information.
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