Elain Brown Tech 07.25.2022 19:Jul PM EDT

Here are Some Malware Myths That Have Been Debunked Already

Malware has become a familiar word that usually threatens the security of our devices.

Through the years, as time has evolved, there have been numerous misconceptions about its origin. Here is a quick rundown of the misconceptions and the old perceptions surrounding malware that have been proven incorrect.

Macs Are Safe From Malware

First on our list of malware myths, we have the very famous perception that operating systems under Macs do not get infected by malware.

Believing this malware myth could get you in trouble. Apple devices were the target of one of the very first viruses ever released into the wild.

In 1982, a young person who was only fifteen years old at the time wrote malware intended for Mac devices called LK Cloner. Just like devices that are running on Windows, Macintosh devices are also just as vulnerable as any other device to malware attacks.

However, as MUO reports, Malware Removal Tool, Gatekeeper, and XProtect are some of the built-in anti-malware safeguards that are included with every Mac.

These safeguards are very effective. They do not, however, guarantee that you will be completely protected. Therefore, you must continue to be vigilant.

Antivirus Software Will Take Care of Everything.

The second malware myth is thinking that you only need to install antivirus software, let it run, and then believe that it will be taken care of.

There is no one antivirus program that can safeguard your system against every variety of malicious software. However, just because one is not enough does not mean you should download two or more.

Running multiple instances of antivirus software consumes a significant amount of processing power. Running multiple instances of it can significantly slow down your computer's performance.

It is recommended that you continue to update your antivirus software, update the software on your device that needs updating, control access to your device, and avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Smartphones Can Not Get Malware

Third on our list is the myth that a lot of people still perceive to be true to this day. It is the assumption that smartphones cannot be infected by malware.

Well, that is not true. People are under the perception that desktop devices such as laptops and personal computers are the only devices vulnerable to malware.

But in reality, there are numerous apps that contain malicious malware, even if you downloaded an app from a legitimate online app store.

Threat actors have evolved their methods of attacking and deploying malware for their own benefit. Nowadays, a form of phishing called smishing has been rampant and has had millions of users fall victim to it.

It is recommended that you do not download any software that looks suspicious and only install it from reliable app stores. Additionally, do not click on unsolicited links from unknown people. In some cases, threat actors use this to launch malware on your smartphone.

"Malware" is safer than viruses.

Fourth on the list of malware myths that have now been debunked is the belief that viruses are worse than malware.

That is definitely not true, since viruses are a certain type of malware.

A lot of people have the misconception that malicious software, also known as malware, is relatively safe, while viruses are the terrifying threats that can ruin their computers.

According to Avast, malware is an umbrella term that refers to any type of malicious software that is written with the express purpose of infecting the host system or the user of that system.

As stated, "all viruses are malware, but not all malware is a virus."

Antivirus companies create malware.

Last on the list of malware myths is the idea that malware or viruses are created by antivirus software companies.

According to Norton, the idea that antivirus companies are in some way responsible for the creation of the malicious software against which they provide protection is an old urban legend.

There is not a single shred of evidence that supports this conspiracy. The malware myth is associated with a specific kind of malicious software that was common in the early 2000s.

However, this may be very far from the truth. Malware is written by threat actors. Malware is classified into various types based on its intended function.For example, nowadays, threat actors continue to spread malware to exploit their victims' financial gains through ransom.

Some actors might deploy malware in the hopes of making a name for themselves. On the other hand, some threat actors just want to steal data and sell it on the dark web.

Antivirus software helps you safeguard your devices from these types of attacks.