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What is Malware?

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Malware is an umbrella term for various types of malicious software. This term encompasses:

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  • Viruses: programs which attach themselves to other (often legitimate) programs or files, but which cannot affect your computer or spread to others unless you open or run the infected program or file.
  • Worms: similar to viruses except that they can further infect your computer or travel to others without any action on your part.
  • Trojans: programs which disguise themselves as legitimate, useful software but actually do damage once installed.
  • Adware: legitimate programs that incorporate advertising in order to allow the developer to distribute it for "free".
  • Spyware: gathers user information through the user's browsing habits, internet connection and sometimes keystrokes without their knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Adware which incorporates this approach to its advertising content is typically re-categorized as Spyware.

Common symptoms of a malware infection include slow computer performance; difficulty registering or accessing the network; the inability to run software updates or anti-virus software such as McAfee; and unexplained pop-up warnings, errors, or ads.

Student-owned computers suspected of having any kind of malware infection can be dropped off free of charge at the ITS Helpdesk from 8 am–5 pm Monday–Friday.


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Warning
titleMac users:

While it is true that there are far fewer infections for Mac computers, Macs are not invulnerable and CAN can be infected. In addition, infected files may be transferred via Mac as, for example, email attachments. One of the better known instances occurred in May 2012 when many computers were infected by the Flashback Trojan. Don't assume you don't need to be protected or be careful just because you're on a Mac!

It's nearly impossible to guarantee a way to avoid infections, but here are some good things to keep in mind:

Have active and up-to-date anti-

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malware software: Anti-malware software is important in keeping your personal machine safe and usable. We believe that the default anti-virus programs on personal machines, Windows Defender and macOS built in defenses, are sufficient at keeping your laptop clean. A helpful addition would be to download a free scanning software, such as Malwarebytes, to run a full scan of your machine every week. We believe those two things in tandem should keep your computer virus free.

There are more extensive, all-in-one tools which you can purchase, often on a subscription model. If you choose such a tool, you must ensure that you keep the subscription up-to-date. If you don't, the software will stop updating itself and will be unable to detect the most recent malware releases and variations.

Pause and consider links and downloads before clicking and installing: Even trusted sources sometimes get hacked and can provide infected content. Take a moment and think about how likely it is that the action you're about to take will be safe—were you expecting that attachment? Do you really need that software to do what you're doing?

Be suspicious of very scary warning messages: They're almost always malware themselves, especially if you have to click or install something to further scan your computer

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Ask questions: If you're not sure about something, and don't know how to proceed, stop by the ITS Helpdesk or give us a call at 507-222-5999, and we will help you out.


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For Help

If your computer is infected and you're not able to remove the malware, you can:

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