Malware Scams: Beware of Infected Files, Links and Email Attachments

Computer viruses are not a new thing. Some of the most devastating losses in business have been due to virus infections that went undetected - a fact that underscores the need to invest in robust cybersecurity systems.

2020, the COVID-19 year, made many jobs move to online platforms to keep businesses running while maintaining WHO health restrictions. Remote work became the new normal. It’s almost as though the internet’s value was rediscovered. Scammers have also doubled their efforts in setting up infected websites with embedded malware, fake pop-up warnings, fake emails, and calls.

How to Spot Possible Malware Scams

Here are some pointers you can use to spot possible malware scams:

Call or email from tech support

It is not the practice of any computer company’s tech support team to call customers about virus infections. Such companies do not have remote access to your computer to see whenever a virus infection occurs. Scammers are known to call posing as Microsoft or Apple Tech Support representatives who have detected a malware infection in your computer.

Another way this plays out is where the fake tech support caller suggests to “guide” you through steps to fix the problem. Never carry out any instruction this way. They may lead you to install malware unknowingly and then ask you to buy their antivirus to fix the problem. Or, they may gain control of your computer and lock you out!

Fake warnings in pop-ups

Messages that pop up while you browse online like, “VIRUS DETECTED” or “YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED” are scammer tactics. Unless the notification is from your own installed antivirus, never click on those pop-ups to fix, clean, or resolve. They are scams.

Sources of Malware

• Illegal download sites for music, software, adult videos, and tv shows
• Infected sites embedded with malware that auto-downloads when you click their links.
• Email attachments infected with malware.
• Free software downloads from untrusted sites.

Common Malware Scams

Not being careful about the files you download and install can end up being very expensive. Even malware scams have money as their real end goal.

Ransomware

This is a kind of malware that gains control of your computer file system and locks you out! It encrypts your home folder files and holds them at “ransom”, hence the name - ransomware. The scammer who deployed the ransomware then demands a payment to give you the encryption key that can unlock it.

Some go as far as creating encryption for your local drive, attached drives, and even network computers!

Fake Tech Support

Most malware scams begin with calls from fake Tech Support notifying you of a problem in your computer in the following ways:

• Your computer needs optimizing.
• We have noticed that your computer is infected.
• Someone is trying to hack your computer,
• Your computer will stop working if you DO NOT follow these instructions.
• You are in danger of losing your files and folders.

Then it progresses in these two possible ways:

The caller gives you a link to download and install “security software” to fix the problem. It directs you to a buying site that needs your credit card details. After paying, then you get to download. Such software may be useless and do nothing or, it can be malware that locks your files and gives the scammer control.

The scam caller can also offer to guide you through a process to fix the problem. Only that the system changes you make will result in giving them remote access to your computer. Then they can install actual malware to collect credit card and banking information to steal your cash.

Infected Websites

Illegal download sites and file sharing sites are notorious virus spreaders. Some free offers on the internet appear to offer one genuine and useful software but actually, download malware. Once you install, you’ll realize it's software that you can’t recognize. These are usually malware.

If you allow the process to run to the end it will compromise your computer security. Having good antivirus software running in your computer will help detect, notify and stop its installation process. Always keep your antivirus software up to date. Also, ensure that it has real-time protection against online threats.

How to protect yourself from Malware scams

• Install and keep an updated antivirus program running. Ensure it has real-time protection or a web shield to protect you from current online threats. Configure it to carry out automatic scans regularly.
• Back up your data securely away from your regular work or home computer.
• Do not open attachments from unknown sources. Even then, always ensure that you do it only when your antivirus is running so it can detect any viruses.
• Do not give remote access to strangers using applications such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk and others.
• Add unsolicited emails to your spam folder. It will help in screening such emails in the future.
• Avoid shopping and banking online whenever you are unsure of the site or the security of the transaction.
• Whenever you suspect a file infection or security breach, go offline and do a full computer scan for viruses, tracking cookies, or any other malware.
• Avoid free software downloads from unverified and untrustworthy sites. Always check the website trust score using Scamadviser.com. Here is a list of reliable and safe file-sharing sites.

If you fall victim to Malware Scam

Report to:

• FTC if in the USA
• Action Fraud in the UK