Malware refers to any type of malicious software that tries to infect a computer or mobile device. Hackers use malware for any number of reasons such as, extracting personal information or passwords, stealing money, or preventing owners from accessing their device. You can protect yourself against malware by using anti-malware software.

Malware (short for "malicious software") is considered an annoying or harmful type of software intended to secretly access a device without the user's knowledge. Types of malware include spyware, adware, phishing, viruses, trojan horses, worms, rootkits, ransomware and browser hijackers.

Where malware comes from

Malware most commonly gets access to your device through the Internet and via email, though it can also get access through hacked websites, game demos, music files, toolbars, software, free subscriptions, or anything else you download from the web onto a device which is not protected with anti-malware software.

How to recognize malware

A slow computer is often a sign that your device may be infected with malware, as are pop-ups, spam, and frequent crashes. You can use a malware scanner (which is included in all malware removal tools) to check if your device is infected.

How to remove malware

The best way to get rid of malware is to use a reliable malware removal tool, as found in any good anti-malware software. Avast Free Antivirus and anti-malware can quickly and easily remove any malware from your devices. But it's more than a free malware removal tool - it's also real time protection against all malware attacks.

How to prevent malware

• Use powerful antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Don't open email attachments from unknown or unexpected sources.

Use anti-malware to protect yourself

There is no better way to recognize, remove and prevent malware than to use an antivirus & anti-malware tool, and the best antivirus & anti-malware tool is Avast.