What are Malware Bots?

Bots can either be helpful or malicious. 

What are Malware Bots? 

Internet bots, which are also referred to as crawlers, web bots, or spiders are applications that complete automated tasks that would take a substantial amount of time to complete if done manually. 

Conversely, bots may also be malware designed to gain control of your system and access details such as personally identifiable information that may put you at risk for cybercrime.

Bots are most often downloaded when a victim downloads a presumably safe file from something such as an email or social media link that is clickable. 

Bots are designed to infect a large number of systems and communicate information found to a central server created by malware bot designers. The server is essentially the master for a botnet which is created by the network of infected computers. 

Do I have a Malware Bot?

It is not always that easy to tell. 

Some signs that you may be infected with a malware bot include:

• Slow internet access 
• Computer performing slowly
• Pop-ups that appear when you are not browsing the net
• Noticing a change to your computer settings that you did not make and are unable to change

Can I avoid Malware Bots?

The only way to successfully avoid malware bots is to avoid clicking on links from sources that you do not completely trust. This includes email downloads or links delivered via email or social media sites.

Make sure that your system is up-to-date at all times and that your antivirus (Identity Guard Device Secure) is running to add a layer of protection to you, your family, and your cyber friends.