Malware: Personal

Malware is any malicious software designed to hack or damage your computer, gaining sensitive information without your knowledge.
 

Malicious and dangerous
 

Malware could come in the form of a computer virus, worm, Trojan horse, ransomware, spyware, adware or scareware. Malware has one purpose: to make your machine vulnerable. Here are just a few examples:
 

• Key logging malware records every key you press, tracking your passwords, and taking screenshots as you work. This information is then forwarded to a fraudster.
• Session hijacking malware takes over your session while you are on a specific website. The fraudster then bypasses the authentication process that is required to log on to the website.
• Banking 'Trojans' have been specifically created to recognise when a user has logged on to a banking website and will try to steal your log-in information and infiltrate your banking session.

How does malware get onto your computer?

A third party can download malware onto your computer or you can be tricked into downloading it onto your computer by:
 

• clicking on a link in an email;
• purchasing fake security software from someone claiming to be a representative from a reputable company such as Microsoft; and
• visiting an infected site, which results in a 'drive-by' infection.
   

Malware is often difficult to trace and remove as it hides in other applications and reinstalls itself if not properly removed.

How to protect yourself
 

• Fortify your defences. Make sure your antivirus and operating-system software is up to date on all your computers. You should also consider installing a firewall to stop unauthorised information from being sent from your computer.
• Install Trusteer Rapport. This is free for Nedbank clients and ensures that any website you visit is genuine.
• Create a separate username for banking. It is highly recommended that you do not do your electronic banking on a user account with administrative rights. Rather create a separate user account with administrative rights specifically for installing or uninstalling software.
• Be proactive. Never open attachments from unknown sources, and always check your bank statements for any irregular activity. If you notice your computer behaving erratically while you're logged onto internet banking, immediately switch your machine off and contact Nedbank to ensure no unauthorised transactions have been made on your account.