Basic Protection from Malware and Virus
Keep your computer safe from harmful downloads, fake installers and infected files.
Types of malware you may meet
| Type | What it does | Typical way in |
|---|---|---|
| Virus/worm | Damages or spreads files | Infected pen drives, cracked software |
| Trojan / remote-access app | Gives a criminal control of your device | APK on WhatsApp, fake “update” or “support” app |
| Banking malware (Android) | Reads OTP SMS, overlays bank apps | Fake bill/KYC/government scheme APK files |
| Ransomware | Locks your files and asks for money | Email attachments, pirated software |
| Adware/browser hijacker | Pop-ups, changes search engine | Free downloads with “bundled offers”, browser extensions |
| Spyware/stalkerware | Tracks messages and location | Someone with access to your phone installs it |
10 habits that block most malware
- Keep Windows, Android/iOS, browsers and apps updated.
- Use built-in protection: Windows Security on PCs, Google Play Protect on Android – one antivirus is enough.
- Install apps only from Play Store/App Store/Microsoft Store or the official website.
- Never install APK files received on WhatsApp, SMS or email – even from known contacts.
- Do not use cracked software, “free premium” mod apps or keygens.
- Do not click “Enable content/macros” on unknown Office files.
- Scan pen drives before opening; turn off AutoPlay (Settings → Bluetooth & devices → AutoPlay).
- Use a standard (non-admin) account for daily work on shared PCs.
- Keep backups offline – see the 3-2-1 rule.
- Turn on screen lock and 2-Step Verification for accounts.
Signs of infection
- Phone: unknown apps, battery draining fast, data usage high, apps asking for Accessibility permission, OTP SMS you did not request, money debited.
- PC: browser home page changed, new toolbars, pop-ups everywhere, antivirus turned off, files renamed with strange extensions and a ransom note.
If you think a device is infected
Android phone
- Turn on Airplane mode to cut the criminal’s connection.
- Settings → Apps: uninstall unknown apps (check Settings → Security → Device admin apps first and remove admin rights).
- Settings → Accessibility: switch off services you do not recognise.
- Play Store → profile → Play Protect → Scan.
- From another device, change your email/banking passwords; inform your bank and call 1930 if money was taken.
- If problems remain, back up photos and contacts, then factory reset.
Windows PC
- Disconnect from the internet.
- Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
- Uninstall unknown programs and browser extensions; reset browser settings.
- Ransomware: do not pay. Disconnect, report at cybercrime.gov.in, and restore from an offline backup.
आपको मिल सकने वाले malware के प्रकार
| प्रकार | क्या करता है | आम रास्ता |
|---|---|---|
| Virus/worm | Files बिगाड़ता या फैलाता है | संक्रमित pen drives, cracked software |
| Trojan / remote-access app | अपराधी को आपके device का control | WhatsApp पर APK, नकली “update” या “support” app |
| Banking malware (Android) | OTP SMS पढ़ता, bank apps के ऊपर नकली screen | नकली bill/KYC/सरकारी योजना APK files |
| Ransomware | Files lock करके पैसे माँगता है | Email attachments, pirated software |
| Adware/browser hijacker | Pop-ups, search engine बदलना | “Bundled offers” वाले free downloads, browser extensions |
| Spyware/stalkerware | Messages और location track करता है | आपके phone तक पहुँच वाला कोई इसे install करता है |
10 आदतें जो ज़्यादातर malware रोकती हैं
- Windows, Android/iOS, browsers और apps updated रखें।
- Built-in सुरक्षा इस्तेमाल करें: PCs पर Windows Security, Android पर Google Play Protect – एक antivirus काफ़ी है।
- Apps सिर्फ़ Play Store/App Store/Microsoft Store या आधिकारिक website से।
- WhatsApp, SMS या email पर आई APK files कभी install न करें – जान-पहचान वालों से भी नहीं।
- Cracked software, “free premium” mod apps या keygens न चलाएँ।
- अनजान Office files पर “Enable content/macros” न दबाएँ।
- Pen drives खोलने से पहले scan करें; AutoPlay बंद करें (Settings → Bluetooth & devices → AutoPlay)।
- साझा PCs पर रोज़ के काम के लिए standard (non-admin) account।
- Backups offline रखें – 3-2-1 नियम देखें।
- Screen lock और accounts पर 2-Step Verification चालू करें।
संक्रमण के संकेत
- Phone: अनजान apps, battery तेज़ी से ख़त्म, data usage ज़्यादा, apps का Accessibility permission माँगना, बिना माँगे OTP SMS, पैसे कटना।
- PC: browser home page बदला, नए toolbars, हर जगह pop-ups, antivirus बंद, files के नाम अजीब extensions के साथ बदले और फिरौती का note।
अगर लगे कि device संक्रमित है
Android phone
- ठग का connection काटने के लिए Airplane mode चालू करें।
- Settings → Apps: अनजान apps uninstall करें (पहले Settings → Security → Device admin apps देखकर admin rights हटाएँ)।
- Settings → Accessibility: जिन services को नहीं पहचानते उन्हें बंद करें।
- Play Store → profile → Play Protect → Scan।
- दूसरे device से email/banking passwords बदलें; पैसे गए हों तो बैंक को बताएँ और 1930 पर call करें।
- समस्या बनी रहे तो photos और contacts का backup लेकर factory reset करें।
Windows PC
- Internet से disconnect करें।
- Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Microsoft Defender Offline scan।
- अनजान programs और browser extensions uninstall करें; browser settings reset करें।
- Ransomware: पैसे न दें। Disconnect करें, cybercrime.gov.in पर report करें, और offline backup से restore करें।
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid antivirus for Windows?
For most home and school users, the built-in Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) kept up to date is enough. Safe habits matter more than the brand of antivirus.
Why should I not install APK files from WhatsApp?
APK files bypass Play Store checks. Fraudsters disguise banking malware as bills, KYC forms or scheme lists; once installed it can read OTPs and control the phone.
Should I pay if ransomware locks my files?
No. Paying does not guarantee recovery and funds crime. Disconnect, report to cybercrime.gov.in and restore from backups.
