How Malware is an Issue that Cannot Be Ignored & How to Fight It

Simply surfing the Internet now days may prove to be a dangerous task no matter your intentions, and going at it blindly without knowing how malware can infect your computer is like playing Russian roulette with your computer and its precious data.

Malware is aptly known as malicious software and comes in many forms designed to cause damage to your computer, extort money from vulnerable PC users, gain control of a system for malicious intent, or steal personal data. Different types of malware are browser hijackers, fake error messages, phishing threats, rogue anti-spyware programs, spyware, rootkits, Trojan horses, worms, viruses, and ransomware, which is claimed as the most aggressive form of malware in recent years.

According to The Independent IT-Security Institute, known as AV-TEST, 12 million new malware samples currently come onto the market each month. Recent threats, such as the Peta Ransomware attack initiated in June 2017, quickly spread on a global scale deceiving thousands without warning only to demand $300 from each of its victims. Another ransomware attack, known as WannaCry dating back to May 2017, has been touted by countless security firms as one of the worst and most widespread malware affecting hundreds of thousands of computers around the world. Malware has evolved to become more sophisticated with aggressive forms that have a successful track record of extorting money from victimized PC users or stealing data. Ransomware, however, since its conception in 2012, has become one of the most dangerous forms of malware in existence.