Malware

What is malware?

Malware is malicious software used to infect your computers, mobile devices (Phones, Tablets), or internet of things (IoT) devices (TVs, Web Cameras, etc). There are many types of malware, viruses being a common example.

How does malware get on my device?

The attackers usually get malicious software installed on your device through social engineering, with phishing being the most common example. Connecting an infected device (USB key, portable hard drive, CD/DVD) to your computer can also infect your device, and in some case it can do so even if you don’t open any of the files. An infected machine on the same network may also be able to infect your computer over the network. In some cases an infection can also occur if you visit a compromised website using out of date (insecure) software. 

What will malware do on my device?

Here are just a few common examples of things malware can do if installed on your device:

• Give someone control of your computer.
• Monitor your web activity.
• Collect your documents.
• Collect your usernames and passwords.
• Collect the email addresses of your contacts.
• Send spam/phishing/malware to your contacts.
• Send spam/phishing/malware to thousands of people.
• Attempt to infect other computers on the same network.
• Participate in massive attacks designed to take services offline.
• Encrypt your documents and demand payment.
• Disable or damage your device. 

How can I tell if my device has been infected?

In many cases there will be no obvious signs of being infected, but here are a few you might see:

• Antivirus alert message. (Watch out for fake alerts on web pages.)
• Your computer performing actions without your input.
• Your friends receiving unwanted email messages from your email account.
• Online accounts being compromised.
• All your documents are encrypted. 

I have antivirus software, doesn't that mean I am safe?

Unfortunately the cybercriminals are constantly changing their malware to avoid detection by antivirus software. The antivirus software companies update as they find these new versions, but this always leaves a window where your antivirus software will not protect you yet. Once installed, malware can often hide itself from the local antivirus software, and continue to avoid detection. 

That being said, up to date antivirus software is still critical to protecting your desktops and laptops. 

What can I do to protect myself?

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

• Always keep your devices and installed software up to date. 
• Ensure you have good antivirus software installed on your Windows and Apple OS X computers. 
• Make sure your firewall is enabled on untrusted networks.  
• Disable any unnecessary services that share files or allow other access to your computer. 
• Never leave a device password blank, or set to a default value. 
• Secure your wireless network with a strong passphrase. 
• Be on the lookout for social engineering, including phishing. 

Online course

A short online course is available for faculty, staff and students. Please visit the respective pages to access the course.

Faculty and staff- Staff IT Training site.

Students- Student IT Training site.

Join the discussion

A Yammer group has been created for AU Team Members to discuss cybersecurity related topics. Please join the discussion.
Yammer Cybersecurity Awareness Group