Copyright - Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
What is Malware?
Malware is short for malicious software. It is software that is designed to cause damage to your systems (desktops, notebooks, smartphones etc.), steal information from your system without your knowledge, gain control to your system etc. Malware includes viruses, worms, spyware, fake antivirus software and other types of harmful software.
Why does it matter to me?
Malware can:
- Allow perpetrators access to your system
- Monitors your system’s activities: what you typed on your keyboard, web sites that you visited, files that you uploaded and downloaded etc.
- Corrupts files and disks, and hence affects the use of your system. May even cause your system to be unusable and requires the reinstallation of the operating system and applications.
So don't be a victim of malware infection.
Is there a Policy that I need to be aware?
Per SMU Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Section 5.19 - Responsibility for safeguarding University IT Resources. Users should actively protect and defend University IT Resources against unauthorized access and use. Users:
5.19.1. should have the anti-virus software running on their PC and update the anti-virus signature file regularly.
5.19.2. should regularly update the operating system (OS) updates or patches on their PC.
Useful Tips
- Update to the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against malware and other cyber threats.
- Periodically check that your antivirus software is being updated. Check the "Last updated" date on the antivirus software.
- Links in email, tweets and web pages are often the way cybercriminals compromise your system. If it looks suspicious, do not click on the links or download application. Best is if you can call and verify with the sender or if not, then to delete the email, delete the tweet or close the browser.
- Thumb drives and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them before you copy the files to your workstation or run the application to access the files.
Related Activities
Video
- Protect Your Computer from Malware
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