Common Malware Myths and Facts - Towards Cybersecurity

In this article, I am discussing common myths and facts about Malware. So, Let's start.
In recent years, computer security has become an important concern among users. Security vendors have faced huge challenges dealing with complex security threats with IT experts placing more effort on educating people. However, there are many computer security myths that exist today and surprisingly, many people still believe them.

So, here I list down some of the most common malware myths and facts that can put you at risk.

Common Myths About Malware :-

1. You receive notifications if the machine is infected. This is false — There is no such concept of getting a notification if the machine is infected. The number of studies shows that about one-third of the world's computers are infected but no one gets to know about it. Each infection works differently some runs undetected and some malware slows down the system.

2. Any computer error message indicates a malware infection. Not true — error messages can also be caused by faulty hardware or software bugs.

3. If your machine is infected it means you are hacked. Not true — Malware infection doesn't mean that your system is hacked and a hacker is trying to access information.
Your machine can be infected due to various reasons :

• By opening a malicious attachment sent in your email
• If you install any malicious software from the internet
• Visited an infected web page

4. Viruses and Worms Always require user-interaction. False — Code must be executed in order for a virus to infect a computer, but this doesn't require user interaction. For example, a worm can infect automatically if certain vulnerabilities exist on a user's computer.

5. Email attachments from known senders are safe. This is false — because they might have been infected by a virus and be used to spread the infection. Even if you know the sender, don't open anything you aren't sure about.

6. Malware is not dangerous if there is no important information on the machine. False — Malware doesn't just look for only private information but it even tries to access account information and send out spam to your contacts. Or, it will record your keystrokes to steal credit-card numbers and login information for bank accounts, social networking platforms, and other online accounts.

7. All reputable websites are safe. This is false — If hackers can compromise legitimate websites with infected code, users are more likely to download files or give up their personal information.

8. Mac machines are 100% secure. Not true — Sometime back, individuals use to think Mac machines are secure. But that is not true due to Apple's low market share attackers do not use to create threats targeting Mac machines. This made them fly low under the radar but today things have changed. Apple's market share has grown significantly and so is the hacker's talent. A recent study shows Mac malware attacks have grown in recent years as compared to 2017-2018.

9. Antivirus programs will stop all threats. This is false — While antivirus sellers do their best to stay on top of malware developments, it's important to run a comprehensive Internet security product that includes technologies specifically designed to dynamically block threats. Even then, of course, there's no such thing as 100% security. So, it's important to adopt an online common sense to reduce your exposure to attack.
So, These are common myths about Malware.

The increase of interconnected devices across the Internet of Things (IoT), meanwhile, increases further interesting possibilities: What if an infected car is run off the road, or an infected smart oven is directed to put out maximum heat until it overloads? The future of malware may make this type of physical damage a reality.

People have a number of misconceptions regarding malware, such as the assumption that infection is obvious. Often, assume they'll know if their computer has been compromised. Typically, however, malware doesn't leave a path to follow, and your system will display no signs of infection. Many users believe their personal data like photos, documents and files aren't worth anything to malware creators. Cybercriminals mine that available data to target individuals.

Common Facts About Malware :-

1. Malware is usually bundled with other software and may be installed without your knowledge.

• For example, AOL Instant Messenger comes with WildTangent, a documented malware program.
• Some peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, such as KaZaA, Gnutella, and LimeWire also bundle spyware and adware.
• While End User Licence Agreements (EULA) usually include information about extra programs, some malware is automatically installed, without notification or user consent.

2. Malware is very difficult to remove.

• Malware programs hide in unexpected places on your computer (e.g, hidden folders or system files), making their removal complicated and time-consuming.
• In some cases, you may have to reinstall your operating system to get rid of the infection completely.

3. Malware threatens your privacy.

• Malware programs are known for gathering personal information and relaying it to advertisers and other third parties.
• Most typically collected information includes your browsing and shopping habits, your computer's IP address, or your identification information.

4. Malware threatens your computer's security.

• Malware leaves your computer vulnerable to viruses.
• Malware causing conflicts with legitimate software and compromising the security of any operating system, Windows, or Mac.

So, These are common facts about Malware.

I hope you find useful information in this article. If you have any questions then please mention in the comments section and I will get back to you and stay tuned with my blog to learn interesting things related to cybersecurity and hacking.