Technique

Malware

Also known as: Malicious Software, Virus, Computer Virus, Malicious Code, Malicious Program

COMPROMISE

Malicious software installed on victim's device that performs unauthorized actions - stealing data, encrypting files, monitoring activity, or providing remote access to attackers.

Common attack flows

How it fits in a scam

This technique shows up duringCOMPROMISE

Before

After

Defense

How to defend against this

How to spot it

  • Antivirus or security software alerts
  • Unexpected system slowdowns or high CPU usage
  • Unknown processes in Task Manager or Activity Monitor
  • Unusual network activity or data usage
  • Pop-ups or browser redirects
  • Programs crashing or behaving erratically
  • Files appearing or disappearing unexpectedly
  • Security software disabled without your action

Tools you can use

Further reading