Malware, security and protection

[Amphenomenon]

Abstract
Most people use the Internet without thinking about security and privacy, they don't bother about the kind of site they visit, where they download their Applications, movies and other files/ documents, they give every authorisation a software or website request for them without checking them and others. The truth is that the Internet is not as save as we thought it was, as time goes by it becomes worst and most people still don't see the dangers until they become victimised and then they will know indeed that their device is part of their that can hold a large part of their life's. So many security threats online but some of the most common and dangerous is the phishing scam and malware threat, phishing scam can be called as the most dangerous because most of the cybersecurity threat can come from it, through phishing scam malware can be sent to a device and this is among the reason we have to be cautious of the link we clicked online, especially from email, social media and other platforms like this forum.

Malware
Malware are code or program that are usually attached to a file or software that disrupts the proper working flow of such device. This is also called malicious software, hackers implant these in order to get access to the victim device and do as he/she feels and can be to steal the victim coins, money, important documents/files or even blackmailing or requesting for ransom from them and others.

some types of malware
There are various types of malware, This include :

• Spyware : 
  This malware makes itself hidden for you on your device, It observe your activity on your device and can send this to the hacker. It can be use to steal your logging details like password and username of your bank, email and others.
• Adware :
  This malware can be a software or website spam your device with Ads, they mainly pop-up ads.
• Keylogger :
  This keep track of all the the keys you click on your keyboard, it collect them and send to the hacker, with this your logging details like username and password can be stolen.
• Rootkit :  
  This gives the hacker administrator control access to your device.
• Virus :  
  This is a type of malware and not the term malware itself though most people use it interchangbly but that is not correct. This malware is activated by you when execute the file, link or app it is program into and then start spreading just how normal virus on living things spread. The harm cause by this malware varies from negligible to literally crashing your device.
• Worm : 
  This is similar to the malware virus but one key difference is that it do automatically activate itself and start spreading.
• Trojan or Trojan horse :
  This malware at first looks like a legit software but the actual truth is that its far from that, it open a back door for the hacker to gain access to your device and then do as he/she pleases like install other malware mostly Ransomware. Its among the most(if not the most) dangerous malware
• Ransomware : 
  This malware give the hacker authority to either to completely lock you out of your device or lock you out of some directory of your device. This malware has become preferably by hackers since its easier for them to request ransom from the victims in order give them access to their device or file.
• Cryptojacking/Malicious crypto mining : 
  This malware allow hackers to mine cryptocurrency using your own computer and the rewards go to the hacker. This is usually place on your computer through the Trojan malware.

There are also other malware and all these malware have various classes and examples, how destarous depends on what the hacker want to do. Just as there have been growth for the fight against Malware there have been also been growth on the immunity of malware to fight against them, some malware can fight or even make itself invincible to them.

Some signs to know malware affected device
There are some signs to know if your device might be affected by malware, this include :

• When you notice sudden loss of your device storage
• When your device processor start slowing down and your device start over heating
• When you notice a sudden increase on your internet activity and also when your browser settings changes e.g you notice a new extensions, plug-ins or toolbars.
• When your lose access to your device, some files or documents.
• When your Anti-Malware assistance stop responding for no reason

Malwares mostly affect your device through the internet (though can also affect them through USB drive and file transfer offline), where and what we download matters and links we click on matters.

Some steps to protect your device from malware
 Some steps to consider to protect your device against malware include :

• Be cautious of where you download your files and application and also try to know the actual files and application you are about to download to avoid clone.
• Be cautious of the site you visit and also of the links you click especially when it was sent to you or posted by someone you don’t know
• Be cautious of the type of authorization you give to some applications because there is a possibility of your download to contain malware even if you where downloading from a trusted source
• Be cautious of the Anti-Malware assistance you use because some of them are while malware themselves while some may be doing little or nothing i.e just occupying space
• Avoid cracked closed source apps since you can not tell what was done on it
• Be cautious of any sudden change on your device and browser, don`t see it as it doesn`t matter since your device is like a part of you especially when your coins or financial documents are stored on that device because most times this small changes can turn to something disastrous.
• Update apps early especially those which you use for security and privacy protection and also delete apps that you are no longer using
• Have at least a basic knowledge of cybersecurity and also try to stay updated about the latest malware, phishing scam and other cyber threat and protection news.

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[Zaguru12]

These are great tips OP, although some of these malware can actually be merged together.
In summary, all of these attacks most of times are caught either through been in a hurry or carelessness. The most common way of getting all this is through phishing links or downloading fake apps (most of which are mostly through our carelessness to download cracked versions of them or not verifying the site well).

• Keylogger :
  This keep track of all the the keys you click on your keyboard, it collect them and send to the hacker, with this your logging details like username and password can be stolen.

This is one of the common way that hackers get to steal ones fund. Most at times when you copy an address and about to paste, it actually pastes something different. In most cases just a digit or two changes and if one is not careful and doesn’t bother to check, you may end up sending funds to a different address.

Here are tips by LoyceV on how to prevent losing your bitcoin from clipboard malware

Overall security tip is; be careful how you use the device that stores your bitcoin. If it is possible that device should be offline until probably you want to broadcast a transaction.

[Upgrade00]

That's a good guide on the basics of malware and security. On how to protect one's device from malware attack another very important point to note is have your device offline; Airgapped devices provide the highest level of security for crypto storage or storing any other digital asset which is at risk of getting stolen. The assets stays offline and is no exposed to the routine risks available on the internet.

You still need basic security steps to keep your online device safe.

[electronicash]

i use to download just about anything from movies to music files from torrent sharing files. malware and virus is often what made my computer crazy the next day. popups don't stop popping that it lags my computer in the process. its always going to happen if you download files.

one thing that solves it all. Linux. i ever get to have problems with viruses, worms and anything after installing a linux system.

[Cantsay]

This is a pretty good tutorial, and the sooner crypto enthusiast gets to realize how important it is for them to practice a safe security and privacy practice the better for them.

• Keylogger :
  This keep track of all the the keys you click on your keyboard, it collect them and send to the hacker, with this your logging details like username and password can be stolen.

Another cause of this is downloading those fancy keyboard apps on your mobile phone, alot of people are fund of using or downloading some customisable keypad thinking it makes their devices look cool without them realizing the risk that those apps poses to their privacy.

• Cryptojacking/Malicious crypto mining :  
  This malware allow hackers to mine cryptocurrency using your own computer and the rewards go to the hacker. This is usually place on your computer through the Trojan malware.

There was a thread that was created concerning a super Mario software that utilizes the system of the gamer to mine token by running a  XMR (Monero) miner without them realizing what is going on with their system. [Warning]: Super Mario 3: Mario Forever game contains Trojan, crypto stealer

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

This is one of the common way that hackers get to steal ones fund. Most at times when you copy an address and about to paste, it actually pastes something different. In most cases just a digit or two changes and if one is not careful and doesn’t bother to check, you may end up sending funds to a different address.

Since I learned about this through a post I came across last year on this forum about the clipboard virus, I have always been very careful about checking any address I copy before sending funds out, or even if I am copying  account number, I always check too.

I think that the best way to avoid all of this harmful malware is to just be mindful of the sites we visit and not download apps that we are not very sure have a good review or reputation. I also think it's wise to just have two devices, one of which you can use for any form of browsing and texting of apps, and another device where you only browse on verified sites and can also keep sensitive information without much fear about malware. OP, your topic is very informative.

[Faisal2202]

You have pointed out a good topic here. And the types you have mentioned are the most common ones. I would like to mention a thread in which OP said, crypto users have to learn cybersecurity in order to stay safe here on BTT. (Source) But i think if the people came to know about only mentioned types here in this topics and the new types of scams in market. Which are in the following thread,

• Have you ever been scammed ?

Then, we all can save ourselves from all type of scams which are already happened. So, basic purpose is to remain up to date with current and old scam and hack types when you will be aware of them you will save yourself from them too. the process is easy and we dont even have to learn the cybersecurity.

[Jinx9975]

 Here are some key tips for protecting against malware and improving security:

1. Use antivirus/anti-malware software - Install programs like Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, or Bitdefender to scan for and remove malicious programs. Keep them updated with the latest definitions.

2. Exercise caution with links/attachments - Don't open links or files from suspicious emails or questionable websites. Verify the source first before clicking or downloading anything. 

3. Keep all software updated - Run regular system updates on your OS, applications, browsers, plugins and hardware firmware. Updates often patch security flaws.

4. Use strong passwords/passphrases - Create long, complex and unique passwords for every account. Use a password manager if needed. Enable two-factor authentication when possible.

5. Back up your data - Use cloud backups or external drives to create regular copies of important data in case of infection. Test restorations periodically.

6. Avoid suspicious websites - Stick to well-known legitimate websites instead of sites with lots of intrusive ads or popups. These sites tend to distribute malware.

7. Don't override security prompts - Pay attention when your browser or OS warns about unsafe conditions or requests elevated permissions. Malware often lurks behind these. 

8. Monitor accounts for unusual activity - Keep an eye out for unauthorized charges, password reset emails, strange posts, etc. Report anything suspicious. 

Staying safe requires proactive security habits. The threat landscape continues evolving so our defenses have to keep pace. But with thoughtful precautions, malware and intrusions can be minimized.

[boyptc]

Hello everyone unfortunately All websites on the Internet track your data using cookies and similar technologies. Whenever you visit them, they can identify you. A VPN connection hides your IP address, which allows you to maintain anonymity on the Internet. In order to protect your presence on websites, you should connect NordVPN for additional protection against malware, dangerous advertising, sites and trackers without the need to install an antivirus program.

That's true and that's why there are cookies. But if you've been a regular user of a website, and you think that you trust them, you either think if it's necessary to have it or not.

Aside from NordVPN, there's also the ProtonVPN.

Most of the free VPNs aren't safe and they're just recycling the IPs there and there is no IP that's only dedicated to you and that's the premium with the paid ones.

[btc78]

I must say this is a very impressive and informative piece of work!

I think why a lot of people fall victims to malware is because we do not think twice about the internet anymore. It has become such an integral part of our life that it is almost second nature. But in reality, the internet is such a dangerous place and thus we must take extra steps in order to make sure that we are safe.

[moneystery]

this is knowledge and tips that are really needed by many people, thank you for sharing it on this forum. because nowadays many people ignore their security and casually surf the internet or install random applications, without considering the dangers of their actions or without using antivirus on their devices. even when a device has been installed, has been updated frequently, and is always careful, sometimes a device can be infiltrated by a virus, especially when it is not accompanied by an antivirus or the owner does not carry out regular updates on their system, then the device will be very vulnerable to virus. so it is important for device owners to understand the basics of cyber security, so that they can avoid various viruses that will harm them.

[Volimack]

There are many of us who don't think about this security and therefore fall victim to more hacking. Terrible malware that can run in the background of the PC without the user's knowledge and steal important and confidential information. To avoid this risk one must be vigilant and have cyber security awareness. That is everyone needs to have a common understanding of how much damage a malware attack can do to any organization.

[mich]

Well my work friend is a real computer tech and he told me which programs to always run.  For our best safety this is what you need to run on your machine.

https://www.eusing.com/
https://www.safer-networking.org/products/spybot-free-edition/
https://www.ccleaner.com/