Malware is something that must be watched out for by users whose daily activities cannot be separated from a computer or internet network. What’s more, malware is now evolving further along with technological developments, as well as many jobs that require a computer and internet network that can be accessed by everyone. Of course this is quite dangerous if all important data is on a computer or connected to the internet. The effect is, not only important data is lost, you can even lose large amounts of money.
Here, you also need to know the difference between virus and malware. A virus is software that spreads on a system and interferes with its use. Viruses are not intended to steal or analyze data usage. A computer virus can damage or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk. Here are some types of viruses and malware that you need to know about, so you can avoid cybercrime.
Social engineering
Usually, hackers will contact certain companies or services and pretend to be customers. The perpetrator will usually ask about the victim’s account and trick the customer support team into handing it over. From there, personal information will be exploited to steal identity and payment accounts. Even though it sounds traditional, this mode is currently popular among hackers.
Hidden ransomware
If you see an email that keeps asking to install Windows operating system updates, you need to be vigilant. This could be the behavior of hidden ransomware that slips virus files as disguises. If you follow the instructions, this malware can encrypt all files and demands a ransom to decrypt them. Unfortunately, most email providers and antivirus software cannot detect emails from Hidden Ransomware.
Fleeceware
Apart from that, there is the fleeceware malware, this application mode attacks cellphone users. When installing applications with fleeceware, the user’s money will continue to be drained, even after removing the application. Even though fleeceware doesn’t steal sensitive information, this practice is very common among application developers who deliberately make money from their users. To avoid falling victim to fleeceware, users are advised to be wary of promises of short-lived free trials of the app.
News Malware
News malware is a hacker who will insert malware in news that is popular and reads by many people. Thus, readers easily become victims. One example is the Covid-19 case which many hackers exploit. Targeting individuals, some readers who click on news about Covid-19 on the internet are not aware that the news has been copied and embedded with malware. As a result, all data on your device can be stolen just like that.
Zeus Game over
Zeus game over is a virus that is still part of the Zeus malware family. Its method is similar to that of a Trojan, namely malware masquerading as something credible. Game Over Zeus is not like most malware, this malicious program is capable of creating a network formed from the computers of its victims.