How To Beware Of Malware

It’s a big world of tech out there. What would we do without our phones, laptops and tablets? Unfortunately, scammers love what we have on there as much as we do – and try to steal it through malware (short for malicious software).

So, what exactly is malware?

Malware is a virus or other type of unwanted software that gets installed onto your device – usually without you knowing. Scammers then use that malware to access your personal info, send unwanted ads, demand payment to fix issues they’ve caused and even make your device more vulnerable to other malware.

How do you avoid malware?

While scammers have gotten crafty with how to install malware, the good news is there are things you can do to protect yourself:

Only download content from reputable, secure file-sharing sites.
Install security software and set it to update automatically.
Make sure you have the most secure settings in place for your web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Safari and others).
Don’t listen to requests from callers to download an app to “fix” banking or security issues.
Never click on pop-ups or ads about security warnings, or on links or attachments in suspicious emails or texts.
Avoid plugging “USB” flash drives or external hard drives you don't own into your computer. If you have to use one, run a scan on it through your anti-virus program.

If you think your device has been affected by malware, or if you’ve given out your username, password, PIN or account info, contact your financial institution right away. Summit members, we're here to help at 800-236-5560.

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