Have you ever noticed that when a device starts slowing down, an app doesn’t run properly, or it just stops working altogether, there’s always someone who says, “It’s because of a virus”? Or in the case of banking institutions’ anti-fraud campaigns, you often hear the term «malware,» and someone will inevitably claim, «That’s what happened to your device.»
As we discussed in the previous post, Why is my device slow?, many times, the user is at fault. However, there are cases where this isn’t the case, and I’ll explain them here.
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There are programs designed to sabotage devices, whether they are smartphones or computers. These are known as viruses or malware.
As I mentioned in the introduction, it’s not always the user’s fault. It’s important to highlight that the difference between a virus and malware lies in how they are installed on your device.
In the case of viruses, they often target Windows operating systems. These are programs that can be delivered through the internet or via removable devices. They execute without your permission and cause harm to your system.
On the other hand, malware does require your permission, but it’s a master of disguise. It hides within seemingly harmless programs like office software or browser plugins.
What can you do about it?
- Keep your antivirus and antimalware software updated and active.
- Safeguard your passwords and access to your devices.
- Avoid downloading and installing pirated software, as this is often the culprit for malware installations.
- Be cautious when granting permissions to websites. By doing so, you may be giving them the freedom to access your data remotely. Read the warnings your system gives you, and if you’re unsure, consult an expert.
Follow these tips, and you won’t have to worry about these pesky executables.
Best regards!