Security Threats, Notifications & Alerts
Cyber Security

Did You Know??? Malware Is "Tricky"!

didyouknowguy

“Scareware” sounds like a set of dishes you use on Halloween, right? Well, it is actually malware that tries to scare you into thinking your device has been infected with a virus to trick you into downloading a quick fix. If you download the so-called solution, it will steal your personal data from your device!

Here are some signs of scareware to watch out for:

  • It pops up in front of open applications and browsers (as in the example below).
  • The pop-up scares you into thinking there is a major problem with your device.
  • The more menace or shock there is - the more likely it is to be scareware.
  • Urgency is another key feature.
  • The close button is hard to find or hidden.
  • If the close button is found and clicked on, more fake warnings pop up and/or malicious software is downloaded to your device.

Scareware pop-up screen

There are several ways to avoid having your personal data stolen by scareware:

  • Avoid the “click reflex” – stop and think before you click.
  • Never click a “download” button.
  • Safely exit from scareware by locating the program in your taskbar that corresponds to the pop-up, right click on it, and select Close.
  • If that does not work – do a hard shutdown of your device.