2. What is malware? What are some signs that malware may be impacting the performance of your computer? How can you avoid malware?
Malware, short for malicious software, is any type of software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It is a broad term used to describe various types of harmful programs, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more.
Some signs that malware may be impacting the performance of your computer include:
1. Slow performance: Malware often runs in the background, consuming system resources and causing overall slowness in the computer's performance.
2. Frequent crashes or freezing: Malware can cause instability in the system, leading to frequent crashes, freezing, or unexpected shutdowns.
3. Unusual pop-ups or advertisements: Malware can generate unwanted pop-ups, ads, or redirect web browsers to questionable websites.
4. Changes in browser settings: If your browser's homepage, search engine, or new tab settings are unexpectedly changed, it could be a sign of malware infection.
5. Increased network activity: Malware may communicate with remote servers, leading to increased network traffic or excessive data usage.
To avoid malware, follow these precautionary measures:
1. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software: Install and regularly update reliable security software to scan for and prevent malware infections.
2. Keep your operating system and software up to date: Regularly install updates for your operating system and software applications, as they often include security patches to address vulnerabilities targeted by malware.
3. Be cautious with email attachments and downloads: Avoid opening email attachments or downloading files from untrusted sources or unfamiliar websites, as they may contain malware.
4. Enable firewalls: Activate the built-in firewalls on your computer and network devices to filter out malicious network traffic.
5. Be mindful of phishing attempts: Be cautious while clicking on links in emails, messages, or social media posts, as they may lead to fake websites designed to trick you into downloading malware.
6. Regularly back up your data: Create backups of your important files and store them in a secure location to protect them from ransomware attacks.
7. Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest types of malware and their potential methods of infection, as awareness can help you avoid falling victim to these threats.