Malware is the generic name in computing to refer a malicious code designed to damage the regular operation of a computer, telephone, tablet or any other device.

All malware follows the same basic pattern: The user downloads or installs the malware, which infects the device.

There are many different categories of malware, such as worms, trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, botnets, and others, but you must take care of all of them.

Any device is exposed to malware. Windows, Android and Mac devices can suffer malware damage. There is the idea that Apple devices as iPhones and iPad are immune, but there are not; there are increasingly the victims of threats.

3 tips to prevent to be attacked by a malware

1. Update your operating system, browsers, and plugins. If there’s an update to your computer waiting in the queue, don’t let it linger. Updates to operating systems, browsers, and plugins are often released to patch any security vulnerabilities discovered. So while you leave those programs alone, cybercriminals can find their way in through the vulnerabilities.

2. Enable click-to-play plugins. One of the more devious ways that exploit kits (EKs) are delivered to your computer is through malvertising, or malicious ads. You needn’t even click on the ad to become infected, and these malicious ads can live on prestigious, well-known sites.

3. Remove software you don’t use (especially legacy programs). So, you’re still running Windows XP or Windows 7/8.1? Microsoft discontinued releasing software patches for Windows XP in 2015, and Windows 7 and 8 are only under extended support.

The best protection against malware is primarily cautioning on the sites you visit and the applications you download. However, having some type of antivirus helps in daily protection.

The only condition to be a victim of a computer threat is to have a device turned on, so protecting your data will never be an exaggerated decision.

Protect your data!