Reports of ransomware scams have been headline news recently. Large companies are being targeted and have become victims of this security threat. Here is valuable information about this type of cyber-crime and how to avoid it.

Malware includes viruses, spyware, ransomware and other unwanted software that gets secretly installed onto your device. Once malware is on your device, criminals can use it to steal your sensitive information, demand payment to unscramble data encrypted by ransomware, and make your device vulnerable to even more malware.

How Malware Gets on Your Device

• Malware can get onto your device when you open or download attachments, or visit a fake website. Here are some common ways that your device might get infected with malware:
• Downloading free stuff like illegal downloads of popular movies, TV shows, or games
• Clicking links in fake security pop-ups sent to your computer
• Clicking on ads placed by scammers on websites you visit
• Phishing emails that trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment

How To Know if You Have Malware

• Look for unusual behavior from your phone, tablet, or computer. Your device might have been infected with malware if it:
• Suddenly slows down, crashes, or displays repeated error messages
• Won’t shut down or restart
• Won’t let you remove software
• Serves up lots of pop-ups, inappropriate ads, or ads that interfere with page content
• Shows ads in places you typically wouldn’t see them, like government websites
• Shows new and unexpected toolbars or icons in your browser or on your desktop
• Uses a new default search engine, or displays new tabs or websites you didn’t open
• Keeps changing your computer’s internet home page
• Sends emails you didn’t write
• Runs out of battery life more quickly than it should

How To Avoid Malware

Scammers try to trick people into clicking on links that will download viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software — often by bundling it with free downloads. Here are ways to avoid malware:

• Install and update security software and use a firewall if available. Set your security software to update automatically.
• Read each screen when you install new software. If you don’t recognize a program, or are prompted to install bundled software, decline the additional program or exit the installation process.
• Get well-known software directly from the source. Sites offering popular software for free are more likely to include malware.
• Pay attention to your browser’s security warnings. Many browsers come with built-in security scanners that warn you before you visit an infected webpage or download a malicious file. Don’t modify your browser’s security warnings. It could weaken the security.
• Instead of clicking on a link in an email or text message, type the URL of a trusted site directly into your browser. Criminals send phishing emails that trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that could download malware.
• Don’t click on pop-ups or ads about your computer’s performance. Scammers insert unwanted software into pop-up messages or ads that warn that your computer’s security or performance needs attention. You might see a warning that says “suspicious activity detected on your computer. Contact a technician now at 888-888-8888.” These are tech support scams. Avoid clicking on these ads if you don’t know the source.

If you believe you may have malware on any of your devices that may have compromised your NGFCU accounts, call us at 800.633.2848 or email memberservices@ngfcu.us.