Skip to main content

What is Malware?

Malware is malicious software that can compromise your security. Learn how to recognize it and protect yourself online.

Features are subject to availability. The steps may look different depending on your device.

  • Understanding malware

    Malware is malicious software designed to harm the computer or device that installs it. Malware can steal or destroy personal information, hold information hostage until a ransom is paid, slow down your device, or even send fraudulent emails in your name.

    Malware types you may have heard of include viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, adware, and Trojan horses.

  • How malware works

    Malware can get onto your device in a number of ways. A few examples are:

    • Downloading free software that secretly has malware
    • Visiting a website that’s infected with malware
    • Clicking a fake error message that starts a malware download
    • Downloading unverified apps and browser extensions

    Some malware can steal personal information by stealing browser cookies or tokens. Cookies are used to identify you to a service, so a stolen cookie can be used to access your account from another device.

    Other types of malware (known as “keyloggers”) can record everything you type, including sensitive information like passwords and forms of payment. One particular type of malware, known as “ransomware,” will hold your data hostage until a ransom is paid for it.

  • Prevent a malware attack

    But don’t worry! There are many ways to protect yourself from malware. Steps you can take to protect yourself from malware include:

    • Only downloading files or installing apps from trusted sources like Google Play (or App Store® for Apple products), Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store, and other trusted vendors.
    • Practicing good online habits, like keeping your computer and its software up-to-date and avoiding shady emails and attachments.
  • Built-in security in Google products

    Google products include robust security measures to help you avoid malware.

    For example, Google products such as Chrome and Gmail automatically scan files like PDFs and documents for suspicious elements and alert you if you’re interacting with dangerous websites or downloads. In addition, Google provides its Safe Browsing security insights to most other browsers. Google never reads your private content; it only checks for signs of malware.

    Built-in security on Google products automatically performs checks to detect and prevent online threats, so you can be confident you’re protected from malware.

    For an additional layer of protection, you can enable the Enhanced Safe Browsing feature on your Google Account, which will perform extra checks while you browse and improve overall web security.  Learn more about Enhanced Safe Browsing.

  • Tools that can help

    Android users can protect themselves by making sure Google Play Protect is enabled. This makes sure that any apps you download from the Play Store are safe and free of malware. Learn more about Play Protect.

    You can also enable Enhanced Safe Browsing, which assesses URLs from Chrome and Google Apps in real-time to learn if they are known to be malicious. Learn more about how Enhanced Safe Browsing can protect you.

Was this lesson helpful?

Thanks! You can also provide feedback if you'd like.