Malware attacks have become far more prevalent over the past few years. Unfortunately, it appears the number of malware infections is only growing as time progresses. Below are some of the most common ways people get infected with malicious software and how they can try to avoid these scenarios.

5. Drive-by Downloads

A drive-by malware attack occurs when in the form of an unintentional and unsolicited download of the malicious software onto one’s computer or other device. In most cases, drive-by malware takes advantage of known security flaws in browsers or extensions, a flaw in popular applications, or an out-of-date operating system. Avoiding this type of attack requires users to update their software regularly.

4. Scams

One of the more common ways people have their devices infected with malware occurs through phishing and social engineering scams. Particular promises of quick riches by telling users to install an application has proven to be a very popular and successful method of distributing malware. Scammers are lurking in every nook and cranny of the internet, waiting for their next “mark” to take advantage of.

3. Popups

Web sites often prove to be one of the main sources for malware distribution. Even if the site is perfectly legitimate, one of its advertisement banners may be corrupted. Pop advertisements pose a significant in this regard, as it is difficult for site owners to control what is displayed when a page is opened or closed. Any pop up claiming how your computer is infected with malware should be ignored, as those are the most likely distribution methods for malware attacks.

2. Torrents

Most people who use the internet like to obtain specific types of content free of charge. Music, movies, and TV shows are very prominent in the piracy scene. Most of these files are distributed through the peer-to-peer BitTorrent protocol, removing the need for one centralized server to host the files in question.

Unfortunately, torrents are also a main source for malware distribution these days.One never knows what is being downloaded over the Torrent protocol. Quite a few files have been laden with malicious software in the past, which are then downloaded by thousands of users who distribute these copies further. It is not hard to see why torrents are so appealing to criminals, as they can reach a global audience with their malware without getting directly involved.

1. Clicking Malicious Links

Social media is both a blessing and  a curse at the same time. A lot of links containing third-party content are shared on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.. Unfortunately a lot of these links can redirect users to malware-laden websites. Never click any unsolicited links on social media or in an email. Even if the sender is a known and trusted person, there is still a big risk associated with clicking an URL.

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