Malware

Malware (short for ‘malicious software’) is often used by cyber attackers to gain access to your computer systems. You might be tricked into installing malware on your device when you download an attachment or click on a link in an email sent to you by a cyber attacker.

Warning Signs

Be on the lookout for the following warning signs that your computer or other devices such as smartphones have become infected with malware:

  • Unusual account activity, such as logins at unusual times from unusual locations.
  • Losing access to an account because the password has been changed.
  • Your device slowing down, the battery running down, or your device overheating.
  • New programs or files appearing unexpectedly. You may see an unfamiliar icon in the task bar or system tray on Windows.
  • Unable to access files as you normally would.
  • Strange error messages appearing.
  • Suspicious pop-ups asking you to update software or download a program you don’t recognise.

Actions

If you believe your computer or other devices have become infected with malware, follow the steps below to scan your device and quarantine the malware. If you are unsure of what to do, contact a cybersecurity professional.
If the affected device is a desktop or laptop computer:
  1. Check that your antivirus software is up to date and running.
  2. Disconnect the computer from all networks and other devices to prevent the malware from spreading. Disconnect network cables and disable wireless networking. Disconnect USB hard drives. Turn off Bluetooth.
  3. Run a full scan of the computer using your antivirus software and follow any instructions it gives you to quarantine malware or viruses that it finds.

If your computer still seems to be affected by malware, you may need to wipe it completely and re-install the operating system. You should contact a cybersecurity expert to help with this process to ensure that data that is critical for your business is free of malware before it is backed up.

If a device such as a tablet or a smartphone has become infected with malware:
  1. Perform a factory reset of the device. This will wipe all data from the device, so it may be necessary to first back up any important business data. You may need to consult with a cybersecurity expert first, to make sure that all backups made are free from malware.
  2. Restore backed-up data to the device.
  3. Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
Continue to monitor your devices and systems for any suspicious activity that may have been caused by the malware attack.