Malicious software, or malware for short, consists of insidious programs specifically targeted towards extracting information from your computer and devices. Along the way, they can do grave damage, forcing your smartphone or tablet to work slowly or not at all. Here are a few different types of malware to be on the look out for.

Spyware

Spyware infiltrates your operating system and then tracks your activity. This could include websites you visit and payments you make. By keeping an eye on what you’re doing, spyware can retrieve sensitive login information including banking numbers.

Keyloggers

This is a method of data collection employed by some types of spyware in order to extract information from infected devices. The idea here is to record individual keystrokes without the user knowing. As you’ve probably guessed, the end goal is to find out information like passwords.

Adware

Unlike other types of malware, you’ll do doubt be aware of this intrusion if it occurs. Unwanted advertisements will pop up on your screen. This creates ad revenue for the creator of the malware, and a big annoyance for you. In addition, adware may keep track of websites you visit.

Trojans

This type of malware usually comes attached to something that on the surface seems desirable like a game or useful application. Like the Trojan horse of legend, it actually contains a deadly surprise: the ability to open a backdoor for other users to monitor your activity. This particularly nasty form of malware could result in stolen data and lost electronic money. It lets a remote user control everything from your screen to your webcam without your knowledge.

Like vampires, malware can only enter with an invitation. Smartphones are particulalry vulnerable, with close to 32.8 million android phones already infected. Make sure you do only visit secure websites that you trust and that you don’t click on suspicious links sent to you via e-mail. Update your antivirus regularly so you can be safe from the latest threats to your cybersafety. These might very well be links that will trigger malware to be installed on your operating system. Most importantly, make sure that your most important information is kept safely out of reach of prying eyes.

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