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Malware, Phishing, spyware, and viruses – what’s the difference and how to protect from them

Malware, Phishing, spyware, and viruses – what’s the difference and how to protect from them
Joy Sarcar

Joy Sarcar

  • Updated:

Cybersecurity has become an integral part of our everyday life. Without it, we are exposed to hackers, malware, and other threats that may lead to serious consequences. No matter why you surf the internet, you will be exposed to these malicious threats if you are on it without any protection. 

In this article, we will be discussing malware, phishing, spyware, and viruses. We will explore these threats and inform you of ways to protect yourself.

Malware

Do you remember the last time you visited a website and accidentally clicked on an advertisement or suspicious link and an unknown application got downloaded on your pc?

Or maybe you might have downloaded a game from an illegal website, and a weird application got installed instead of the game. These unknown applications are all malware. 

When you install these applications, you will notice right away that it is not what you are looking for, but it becomes too late to regret. Even if you want to uninstall it, you won’t find the application on your installed app list. 

The primary purpose of these apps is to steal information from your computer or mobile devices. Besides this, malware can also install ransomware in your system to lock all your files and demand money to unlock them.

The best way to protect yourself from this malware is to avoid suspicious websites. You should only download or stream via official websites. Do not use torrents and other websites that pirate applications and multimedia files. 

Besides, you can also prevent yourself from ransomware by keeping a separate backup of all your essential files. Then, simply reset your device if it gets infected with ransomware, and your files get encrypted. 

However, it is best not to install any suspicious-looking application that gets downloaded into your system. Always check the application name and reviews before installing. 

Malware, phishing, spyware, and viruses

Phishing

Phishing is a technique used by hackers to get your personal information. These cyberattacks usually take place to get your login details for social media websites, e-banking, credit card details, and more. 

The basic idea of Phishing is to create a website that is a copy of a legitimate website like Facebook, Payment Gateway, or any shopping website. Then, hackers use it to trick you into believing that the fake one is real. 

Once you get to their fake website, you subconsciously believe it is real and enter your login details. However, nothing happens, and you move on, thinking there is some technical glitch. 

However, the hackers now have your user ID and password for your account. Now they can easily log into your account without you ever knowing about it. They can steal your identity or siphon your money slowly so that you do not notice it right away. 

To protect yourself from phishing, you must not visit any suspicious websites. You also should not enter your login details on the websites you were redirected to. Moreover, do not shop from a website you have never heard of because the chances are they are phishing for your banking details at the checkout.

Malware, phishing, spyware, and viruses

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that spies on your computer or mobile devices. Spyware is a very common application used by hackers to keep tabs on their targets. 

Once you install a malicious application on your device, the spyware gets active and feeds information from your device to the hackers. Spyware will take all this information, chats, call recordings, and more to the hackers whenever you search for anything on the internet or use any application to chat with someone. 

They can use this information to hurt you in many ways. For example, they can steal your identity, ask for ransom or sabotage your plans. The precautions you need to take are similar to malware. Remember to stay away from all malicious websites and applications. 

Malware, phishing, spyware, and viruses

Viruses

Viruses are similar to the previously discussed malicious cyberattacks. However, they are made purely to destroy your data and can enter your system undetected. 

These usually come along with files that you download from a pirate website or unofficial websites. Viruses do not need to be very bulky, and thanks to that, they can sneak in with all kinds of files. 

Even if the game you downloaded from the pirate website is working, there is no guarantee that a virus code did not enter your PC or mobile with it. 

Malware, phishing, spyware, and viruses

How To Protect Yourself From These Threats?

All of these malicious cyberattacks can be prevented by having prior knowledge and awareness. However, it is not always possible for everyone to be cautious all the time. That is why people are so vulnerable to these threats. The best way to protect yourself is by opting for cybersecurity services. Several companies like Norton, Avast, Quick Heal, Kaspersky, and more provide cybersecurity services worldwide.  

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You can use their free application to block some of these cyberattacks, but if you need better and complete security, you need to pay a subscription for that. These subscriptions come on a yearly or monthly basis. They protect business also. 

These cyber security companies continuously upgrade their security database to locate new viruses, malware, and spyware to protect you or your business. In addition, when you install their application, you will find that they also provide a safe VPN service that reroutes your connection to make it more secure and untraceable. Moreover, they will also warn you before you enter a website that has been flagged for some malicious attempts. 

Protect your devices

Overall we can say that cyberattacks are severe threats, and if you ignore them, you may fall into some ransomware trap or worse. To protect yourself, you must use best practices and use cyber security software.

Joy Sarcar

Joy Sarcar

I am a skilled and enthusiastic content writer who writes on cybersecurity on a technical level. I have been writing compelling cybersecurity content for many websites for the past couple of years. In the past, I have written a wide range of articles and guides related to ransomware, keyloggers, antivirus, PC virus, spyware and malware. I have written detailed reviews of antivirus and malware removal software and how to protect the Windows PC from different online threats. I also worked for a company that promoted some affiliate malware removal software for Windows PC that we personally tested for reviews. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Print Journalism. When I am not writing, you can find me reading legal thrillers and crime fiction novels of Michael Connelly.

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