These Everyday Objects Can Lead to Identity Theft

Malware and ransomware are two types of bad software. They can damage your computer or steal your data. Downloading this harmful software comes with serious consequences. In 2024, there were more than 60 million new strains of malware found on the internet. This is why it’s critical to understand the difference between them. This article will help you understand both types of threats. What is Malware? Malware is a general term that means "malicious software." It includes many types of harmful programs. Depending on the type, malware can do different bad things to your computer. These are the four main types of malware: Viruses: These spread from one computer to another. Worms: They can copy themselves without your help. Trojans: They trick you into thinking they're good programs. Spyware: This type watches what you do on your computer. Malware can cause a lot of problems. If you get malware on your device, it can: Slow down your computer Delete your files Steal your personal info Use your computer to attack others What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware. It locks your files or your entire computer. Then it demands money to unlock them. It is a form of digital kidnapping of your data. Ransomware goes by a pretty basic pattern: It infects your computer, normally through an e-mail or download. It encrypts your files. This means it locks them with a secret code. It displays a message. The message requests money to decrypt your files. You may be provided with a key to unlock the files if you pay. In other cases, the attackers abscond with your money. As of 2024, the average ransom was $2.73 million . This is almost a $1 million increase from the previous year according to Sophos. There are primarily two types of ransomware: Locker ransomware: This locks the whole computer. Crypto ransomware: This only encrypts your files. How are Malware and Ransomware Different? The main difference between malware and ransomware is their goal. Malware wants to cause damage or steal info. Ransomware wants to get money from you directly. While malware wants to take your data, ransomware will lock your files and demand payment to unlock them. Their methods are also different. Malware works in secret and you may not know it’s there. Ransomware makes its presence known so the attackers can ask you for money. How Does It Get Onto Your Computer? Malware and ransomware can end up on your computer in many of the same ways. These include: Through email attachments Via phony websites Via a USB drive with an infection From using outdated software These are the most common methods, but new techniques are on the rise. Fileless malware was expected to grow 65% in 2024 , and AI-assisted malware may make up 20% of strains in 2025. If you get infected by malware or ransomware, it’s important to act quickly. You should know these signs of infection to protect yourself. For malware: Your computer is slow Strange pop-ups appear Programs crash often For ransomware: You can't open your files You see a ransom note on your screen Your desktop background changes to a warning How Can You Protect Yourself? You can take steps to stay safe from both malware and ransomware. First, here are some general safety tips for malware and ransomware: Keep your software up to date Use strong passwords Don't click on strange links or attachments Backup your files regularly For malware specifically, you can protect yourself by using anti-virus programs and being selective with what you download. To stay safe from ransomware, take offline backups of your files and use ransomware-specific protection tools. What to Do If You’re Attacked If you suspect that you have malware or ransomware, take action right away. For Malware: Go offline Run full anti-virus Delete infected files Change all your passwords For Ransomware: Go offline Don't pay the ransom (it may not work) Report the attack to the police Restore your files from a backup Why It Pays to Know the Difference Knowing the difference between malware and ransomware can help with better protection. This will help you respond in the best way when attacked. The more you know what you are against, the better your chance at taking the right steps to keep yourself safe. If you are under attack, knowing what type of threat it is helps you take quicker action. You can take proper steps towards rectifying the problem and keeping your data safe. Stay Safe in the Digital World The digital world can be hazardous. But you can keep safe if you’re careful. Keep in mind the differences between malware and ransomware, and practice good safety habits daily. And, if you are in need of help to keep yourself safe on the internet, never hesitate to ask for assistance.  For further information on protecting your digital life, contact us. We want to help keep you secure in the face of all types of cyber threats.

Technology is fast, and in no time, our gadgets get outdated. According to data from Statista , consumers replace their devices about every 2-3 years. Still, it can be tricky to determine when an upgrade is needed. Upgrading your device isn’t just about having the latest gadget. An up-to-date device is safer and more efficient. This article will help you in spotting the signs that your gadget needs replacement. We will talk about seven signs that it is time to get a new one. 7 Signs It’s Time for a Device Upgrade It can be hard to tell when you need a new device, especially if you feel the current one is working fine. There are a few ways to tell your device is outdated, from slow loading times to lack of storage. Here are 7 signs it’s time for a device upgrade: 1. Is Your Device Slow and Laggy? Slow performance is a major indicator. If your device takes an eternity to boot up, that might be a sign to get an upgrade. Apps that take too long to open can be really frustrating. Slow internet access could mean your gadget is getting older. Most of us use our phones, computers, and tablets for day-to-day activities. A slow device makes texting, sending emails, managing calendars, and doing work more difficult. If you can save time in your day with work and personal tasks, the cost of an upgrade may be worth it. 2. Frequent Freezing and Crashing Does your device freeze often? Crashes are another bad sign . If you see the spinning wheel a lot, your device might be struggling. These issues mean your device can't keep up with today's demands. Freezing and crashing can impact your productivity. Imagine working on a document on your computer and losing everything when it crashes, or taking 20 minutes to type a simple email. This is why it’s important to have an up-to-date device. 3. How’s You Battery Life? Battery problems are a clear upgrade sign. If your device dies quickly, it's a red flag. Needing to charge multiple times a day is not normal. A healthy device should last most of the day on one charge. Check to see if your battery is swollen. This is a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately. If your device often overheats, the battery may be malfunctioning. These are some pretty serious issues that, in most cases, mean it's time for a new device. 4. Is Your Storage Always Full? Running out of space all the time? That's a good indication that an upgrade is due. It is frustrating when you can't install new apps. Constantly deleting photos and files is a pain. More storage is one great reason to upgrade. 5. Are You Missing Out on New Features? New devices boast cool new features. If your device can't get the latest updates, you're missing out. Newer models often boast better cameras and screens. They also have faster processors and more memory. Age plays a huge factor in device performance. Most smartphones last around 2-3 years, and laptops, perhaps 3-5 years. If your device is older than this, then it might be time for an upgrade. Older devices struggle with new software and apps. 6. Are Repairs Costing Too Much? Repairing old devices can be costly. If the repair costs are high, upgrading may be wiser. Sometimes, the repair costs are almost equal to a new device. In such cases, it is often better to buy a new one. Since older devices usually go for less on the market, repair costs can add up quickly. For example, if you break the screen on your iPhone X, it can cost more than £230 to repair it. An iPhone X can be purchased for around £135. These repair costs are more than the value of the actual device. If you’ve had it for a while, you may have paid closer to £700 at the time of release. When you combine what you spent on your current device with any repair costs, you’ll notice it’s much better to upgrade. 7. Does Your Device Support the Latest Software? Older devices often can't run new software. This may be a security risk and also means you miss new features. Consider upgrading if your device can't update to the latest OS. Old software has security holes in it. Your data can easily be compromised by this kind of threat. Most hackers usually attack those gadgets operating on older, obsolete systems. This is why it’s important to keep your devices updated . If you keep an old device around, your data becomes vulnerable. You won’t be protected by the latest security patches. A new device running on the latest update is the safest option. Ready for a Fresh Start? If you have been noticing these signs, then that is probably the time for an upgrade. The new device will make your digital life easier, more fun, and a bit safer. Think about your needs and budget in choosing a new device. Don't wrestle with an older, slower device; upgrade to one that will serve you much better. Your increased security and productivity will thank you in the future. If you need help choosing a new device, contact us today.