Malware (or “malicious software”) is an umbrella term that describes any malicious program or code that is harmful to systems. Malware seeks to invade, damage, or disable computers, computer systems, networks, tablets, and mobile devices. Malware comes in many different forms and uses different tactics to carry out its attack. Give yourself an immediate cybersecurity boost with these tips.

• Install anti-virus (‘AV’) on your devices and keep it up-to-date. Install AV software on your digital environment (e.g. your computers, mobile phones, and tablets) to protect them from malware. Keep the AV software up-to-date to receive the latest protection from new and emerging threats. Digital Solutions and Services offer free AV protection for staff and students by following this link: https://itservicecentre.derby.ac.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360021194440-Installing-Trend-Micro-Antivirus-on-a-Personal-Mac-or-PC
• Keep your operating system ('OS'), software, and browsers up-to-date. Install updates and security patches to secure your digital environment from known security threats. Try not to ignore requests from your devices to apply updates.
• Watch out for phishing attacks. Be vigilant for poor spelling and grammar, impersonal greetings, requests for personal information, mismatched URLs, unusual 'from' addresses and unrealistic threats in your emails to prevent your sensitive information from being compromised. More information about phishing emails can be found here: https://itservicecentre.derby.ac.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360002420439-How-to-spot-a-phishing-email.
• Be careful with physical media. Only insert physical media into your computer if you're confident in its contents or origin. 
• Browse the web securely. Only enter your sensitive information (e.g. payment card data) into websites you’re sure are safe and only download attachments/software from trusted sources.
  
• Watch out for tech support scams. Be vigilant of pop-up adverts intended to trick you into thinking you have a malware infection. Genuine security companies won’t send pop-up advertising to tell you they believe your computer is infected with malware, let alone charge you to fix it.
• Only enter sensitive information (e.g. payment card data) secure Wi-Fi networks. Try and avoid sending sensitive data over insecure public Wi-Fi networks (e.g. airports and coffee shops) to protect your web activity from being intercepted. Watch out for Wi-Fi networks that disguise illegitimate ones to steal personal information or distribute malware.
• If you’re on a University campus, use Eduroam for secure Wi-Fi. You can find more information about Eduroam on the Knowledge Base here: https://itservicecentre.derby.ac.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360001368925-Eduroam-Wireless-Network.
• Keep current! Since January 2020, Windows 7 is no longer maintained by Microsoft. If you're using Windows 7, please consider replacing it with an up-to-date, supported OS (e.g. Windows 10).