Hello everyone, welcome to the seventh edition of Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter!
Last month, we covered an interesting topic regarding the security of your privacy (and more) while streaming games. If you haven't had a chance to check out this issue or want to refresh your knowledge, be sure to check out this link! 🤓
Additionally, in the past months we have covered many other topics that pay attention to safety when playing online. From previous issues you can learn more about:
This month we will face an unfortunate situation when your device is attacked by malware. Unfortunate because, after reading the previous editions of the newsletter, you should be quite well prepared to face the threats that await you in the online world. 😉
So, let's get to this month's topic.
Ah, I would have nearly forgotten!
As every month, each participant of the discussion, challenge or quiz will receive a unique badge for the forum collection!
Security focus - Malware
- What exactly is malware?
A common misconception is that malware is just another word for a computer virus. That's partially true. The term "malware" is short for malicious software. Malware includes not only viruses but also Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and worms. All the mentioned threats differ in their operation, but they have one goal: to expose our data to danger.
- How to recognise you are affected by malware?
If your computer starts running slowly after the operating system loads, this may be a sign that there is malware on your computer. Slow performance can be caused by the excessive use of processor resources by malicious software. This rule applies to some extent even to computers with high specifications.
Take a look at your browser to see if it has new toolbars, new extensions, or a new homepage. Do windows with advertisements or notifications appear unexpectedly while you're browsing the Internet? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it's possible that your browser has been infected.
Additionally, any windows that pop up unexpectedly while using your computer, unknowingly installed applications and programs, and general system instability may also indicate the presence of malware.
- How to get rid of malware?
Removing malware from your computer typically involves scanning your computer with an antivirus program. Most free versions of antivirus programs are capable of handling this task. However, if you are dealing with a stubborn and recurring problem, you need to take a few additional steps.
- First, disconnect your device from the internet. Malware can re-download copies of itself without your knowledge, so conventional malware removal might not be effective if the device remains connected to the internet. Moreover, your private data may be at risk of being compromised.
- Start your computer in Safe Mode (this is different from a clean boot).
- When your computer starts in this mode and is disconnected from the internet, perform a full malware scan again.
- If the problem appeared, when using a web browser, it is a good time to clear its cache and cookies.
- Change Your Passwords
If you suspect that your private data might have been compromised, it's crucial to change your passwords for the most critical services you use. For tips on password management, refer to one of the previous editions of our newsletter - Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - March.
- Don't download cracks or cracked versions of the games
As we mentioned in one of our previous newsletters, exercise caution when downloading files from the internet. Additionally, refrain from downloading cracked versions of games; not only does this violate terms of service agreements, but it also increases the risk of inadvertently downloading malicious software.
- Refrain from downloading "freebies" from the internet.
Be particularly vigilant if you are strongly encouraged to download a free game, demo, or game expansion from source different than official. First, verify that the source from which you are downloading is reputable. If the game isn't available directly from the producers website, or if there's no official redirection to another site from the producers website, there's a high likelihood that the offer's description is misleading. For these and other tips on safe online practices, refer to an interview with our expert - Senior Director of Game Security & Anti-Cheat.
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