No matter how tech-savvy you are, it can be easy to fall for misconceptions about malware. And everything you get wrong about these malicious programs puts your personal and financial information at risk. So, to stay safe in the digital age, where the sheer number of cyber threats keeps growing, you need to know what is true about malware and what isn't.

Which myths about malware make you more vulnerable to infection or worse? What common misconceptions should you take with a pinch of salt?

Myth 1: Viruses Aren't Malware

A virus is any malicious code designed to spread from system to system by replicating itself. At best, a virus can cause your system to slow down; at worst, it can lead to system-wide corruption of data. Viruses get such a bad rep, and that's why it's easy to think malware is something less severe and shouldn't be feared as much.

Since malware is any malicious code or software that causes harm to computers, a virus fits that bill. Furthermore, thinking one type of malware is worse than others is detrimental to your computer's security. You should treat each one seriously.

For instance, a Trojan can inflict the same amount of damage as a virus or more. But instead of spreading through self-replication, it can disguise itself as a legitimate program to trick you into installing it. Sometimes, a Trojan can create a backdoor into your system, allowing hackers to collect data from you.

Related: What's the Difference Between Malware, Computer Viruses, and Worms?

Myth 2: Only Untrusted Sites Have Malware

Only sticking to sites you trust is one of the best strategies to stay safe on the internet. However, that doesn't mean you should relax, as these sites can also be hacked and subsequently spread malware.

You might be on a trusted site, then see an ad and think it's safe to click on it. Unbeknownst to you, it can be malvertising, a cyberattack technique where hackers place malicious code into a legitimate-looking ad.

Sometimes, the malicious code infects your device as soon as the ad loads, with no need to even click on it.

Malvertising is hard to detect and can slip by web admins and publishers. You can do your bit by enabling click-to-play in your browser, which will prevent the ads from loading and playing automatically.

Myth 3: Macs Can't Get Infected by Malware

While Windows machines are the primary target for malware makers due to their large userbase, Macs aren't completely safe. Macs still have a sizable market, which is enough for hackers to notice.

Thankfully, Macs have built-in anti-malware features that do an effective job, such as Gatekeeper, XProtect, and Malware Removal Tool (MRT). But they're not impervious: you still need to remain vigilant.

Related: Signs Your Mac Is Infected With a Virus (And How to Check)

Myth 4: Smartphones Are Safe from Malware

finding malware on your smartphone
Image Credit: Suttipun/Shutterstock.com

Malware isn't as widespread on smartphones since we usually get apps from official apps stores, such as Google Play or App Store. These stores screen the app for malicious code to ensure they are safe. For this reason, many people think smartphone apps don't contain malware and are even careless enough to download them outside trusted sources.

However, hackers develop malicious apps and publish them on sites that don't have screening.

Only download your apps from official app stores to keep your mobile device safe. Nonetheless, you should still install antivirus software for Android or iOS to help protect your device.

Myth 5: Malware's Harmless if You Have Nothing Important on Your Device

You might think you're safe if you have nothing especially important stored on your device. But that's not right, even putting aside the fact that your device could still be used to infect other contacts.

Spyware can sneak into your system and monitor your activities. So while you may, for example, have your banking details memorized, spyware can "learn" it as you enter the information online. Then it can send it to third parties, who can use it to steal from you.

Related: What Are Keyloggers? Easy Ways to Protect Against Them

Myth 6: You'll Know the Moment Your Computer Has Malware

It might surprise you to know that antiviruses don't always detect when your computer is infected.

There are a couple of ways malware can hide from your antivirus. For example, having an outdated antivirus means that it won't have the latest virus definitions and can let some threats slip through and infect your system.

Myth 7: A Firewall Is as Good as an Antivirus

In a nutshell, a firewall protects your computer or network from external threats, meaning it can only block malware from entering it. An antivirus, however, not only blocks malware but also removes any that manages to get past your firewall.

That means you need both a firewall and an antivirus to maximize your computer's protection.

Myth 8: Antivirus Software Is All I Need

There's no single antivirus that can protect you from every kind of malware. However, this is not a reason to install more than one antivirus on your computer. Antivirus software uses up a lot of CPU power, meaning having two or more can significantly slow down your system.

Don't solely rely on your antivirus software to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting your computer from malware. Further preventive measures you can take include:

  • Keeping the antivirus software updated at all times.
  • Not opening suspicion-looking emails and links.
  • Controlling access to your device.
  • Updating all your software.
  • Avoiding public Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Performing full system scans at least once a week.
  • Not plugging in unknown flash or external drives into your computer.

Common Myths About Malware Debunked!

Of course, there are more myths than these floating around. However, the aforementioned ones are common, and why so many people are vulnerable to malware.

Keep yourself educated, learn about the most recent scams, and always question what you hear about these malicious programs.