"The Silent Threat of Malware: How to Defend Against It"

By Gurjot Kaler

Superintendent of Police

As technology continues to shape our daily lives, cybercriminals are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to infiltrate computer systems. One of their most dangerous weapons is malware, a short term for malicious software designed to steal data, disrupt operations, or take control of devices without the user’s consent. Whether through deceptive emails, infected downloads, or hidden exploits, malware can strike anyone—individual users, businesses, or even large corporations—often with devastating consequences.

When individuals or remote workers fall victim to a malware attack, they may notice several unusual changes in their devices:

• Sluggish Performance – The computer may run significantly slower, affecting both internet speed and software functionality.

• Frequent Freezing or Crashes – The system may unexpectedly crash or become unresponsive during regular use.

• Excessive Pop-Up Ads – A sudden flood of advertisements could indicate adware. Clicking on these ads may trigger further infections.

• Reduced Storage Space – A noticeable decline in available disk space might suggest malware occupying the hard drive.

• Unusual Internet Activity – An unexpected surge in data usage, unrelated to user behaviour, may indicate malware accessing the internet in the background.

• System Overload – Malware can consume processing power, causing the device to overwork and slow down.

• Unauthorized Browser Modifications – New toolbars, extensions, or a changed homepage redirecting to unknown websites could signal an infection.

Recognizing these warning signs early can help mitigate the damage and prevent further security risks.

While many assume that malware only targets desktops and laptops, the truth is that it can also infect mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and other network-connected endpoints, especially those running on outdated or vulnerable software. Cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in unpatched systems, stolen credentials, and compromised devices to launch attacks.

Common Types of Malwares are as follows:

1. Viruses – These attach malicious code to clean files, spreading rapidly and corrupting systems, files, and websites. Viruses are one of the oldest types of malwares. They attach to regular files and spread when someone opens the infected file. Once active, they can damage or delete files and even make a computer unusable

2. Worms – Self-replicating malware that moves across networks, infecting connected systems without user interaction. Worms are a type of malware that spread on their own without needing a host file. 

3. Trojans – Disguised as legitimate software, Trojans create backdoors for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Trojans look like real software but contain hidden harmful programs. In fact, a Trojan horse is one of the most harmful types of malware, disguising itself as a legitimate or useful program to deceive users. Once installed, it grants cybercriminals unauthorized access to the infected device, allowing them to steal sensitive data, such as financial details, or deploy additional malware, including ransomware.

4. Spyware – Operates silently in the background, stealing sensitive data like passwords and financial details. Spyware is a type of malware that secretly tracks what a user does on their device without them knowing. It is often used to steal personal information or spy on businesses.

5. Ransomware – It locks users out of their systems or data, demanding payment for access restoration. Ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that locks a victim’s files and demands money to unlock them. It has caused huge financial losses worldwide. 

6. Adware – It bombards users with intrusive ads, often bundled with seemingly harmless applications. Adware is a type of software that floods users’ digital screens with unwanted ads. While it may not always be harmful, it can slow down devices and create security risks. 

7. Rootkits – It grants attackers deep system control, allowing them to manipulate files and settings undetected. Rootkits are a type of malware that give hackers full control over a system, making them extremely hard to detect. 

8. Keyloggers – It records all the user’s keystrokes to capture and store login credentials and other confidential information like usernames, passwords, credit card information and sends it to attackers.

9. Cryptojacking – Cryptojacking secretly hijacks a device’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency, often without the user’s knowledge. This can slow down the system, cause overheating, and lead to higher electricity costs. While it may not steal data like other malware, the continuous strain on the device can reduce performance and even cause long-term damage.

10. Rogue Software – Masquerades as security tools but installs malware instead.

11. Scareware – It tricks users into believing their system is compromised, coercing them into purchasing fake security solutions. Scareware is a deceptive tactic that tricks users into believing their device is infected with threats. 

12. Fileless malware – It is a stealthy cyber threat that operates directly from a computer’s memory rather than relying on files stored on the hard drive. 

13. Bots- Botnets are groups of infected devices secretly controlled by a cybercriminal, often without the owner’s knowledge. These infections spread through malware or deceptive tricks, turning compromised devices into tools for cyberattacks. 

14. Wipers -These are a type of malware designed to permanently erase data from infected systems, often making devices unusable. 

15. Logic bombs - These are hidden threats that remain inactive until specific conditions are met, such as a set date, time, or user action. Unlike other malware, they don’t spread or replicate but are designed for targeted attacks. Once triggered, they can delete files, corrupt data, crash systems, or expose sensitive information. Because they only activate under certain conditions, they can go undetected until the damage is already done.

Recognizing these threats and implementing strong security measures can help prevent malware infections and protect valuable data.

Methods of Malware Attacks

Malware spreads through various attack vectors, continuously evolving alongside digital threats. Some common infiltration methods include:

• Unsecured Devices – Personal mobiles, PCs, and IoT devices lacking proper security create entry points for malware.

• Compromised Networks – Weaknesses in supply chain or third-party networks can allow malware to spread.

• Outdated Software – Older devices with unpatched vulnerabilities are prime targets for exploitation.

• Email Attachments – Malicious files can infect an entire network when opened or forwarded.

• Phishing & Smishing – Deceptive emails and text messages trick users into revealing credentials, enabling network infiltration.

• Infected File Servers – Shared files on compromised systems can distribute malware across organizations.

• Removable Media – Malware can replicate through USB drives, spreading across multiple systems.

• P2P File Sharing – Seemingly harmless files, such as music or videos, may contain hidden malware.

• Exploited Network Vulnerabilities – Hackers leverage weak points to gain unauthorized remote access.

If you suspect your device has been infected with malware, taking immediate action can help limit the damage. First, disconnect from the internet to stop malware from spreading and to protect sensitive information from being stolen. Next, run a full scan using reliable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and eliminate threats. If possible, restart your device in safe mode before scanning, as this can prevent the malware from running. Delete any unfamiliar or suspicious files and uninstall any unknown programs that may have been installed without your knowledge. Clear your browser history, cache, and downloads to remove any hidden threats. Change all your passwords, especially for banking, email, and other sensitive accounts, and enable two-factor authentication for added security. If the malware is still present, consider restoring your system from a clean backup or seeking professional assistance to ensure complete removal.

How to Protect Against Malware:

Staying vigilant and securing devices, software, and networks is essential to preventing malware infections. To stay safe from cyber threats, it's important to follow strong security practices as follows:

1. Always use reliable antivirus and anti-malware programs to detect and remove harmful software. Keeping your operating system and apps updated is also crucial, as updates often fix security flaws that hackers can exploit.

2. Using strong, unique passwords for different accounts adds another layer of security, and enabling multi-factor authentication makes it even harder for cybercriminals to gain access. 

3. Be extra careful when dealing with emails—avoid opening attachments or clicking on links unless you're sure they are from a trusted source, as many cyberattacks start through phishing emails.

4. Backing up important files regularly is a smart habit, whether you use an external drive or cloud storage. This ensures that even if your data is lost or encrypted by malware, you can recover it without paying a ransom. Firewalls and other network security tools help block unauthorized access, adding extra protection to your system.

5. Lastly, avoid downloading pirated software or files from unknown websites, as these often come with hidden malware. Sticking to official sources and verified downloads reduces the risk of infecting your device. By following these simple yet effective steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of falling victim to cyber threats.

Ultimately, preventing malware infections requires a combination of awareness, caution, and technological defenses. By staying one step ahead and treating cybersecurity as a priority, users can minimize risks and protect themselves from the ever-growing number of cyber threats. In today’s interconnected world, a proactive approach to security is not just advisable—it’s essential.