#CyberOctober – Malware Safety Starts Before You Click
How to Recognise and Prevent Malware
What is malware?
Malware is malicious software designed to steal information, disrupt systems, spy on users or gain unauthorised access to devices and data.
It can reach your device in many ways, including email attachments, fake security updates, software downloads, malicious websites, applications, browser extensions and unknown USB devices.
The good news? A little caution can make a big difference. The best defence against malware starts before you click, download or install. If a file, application or update appears unexpectedly, stop and use an approved installation or support process.
What should you remember?
Malware often relies on someone opening a file, installing an application or granting permission. Cybercriminals may use convincing messages, professional-looking websites and urgent warnings to encourage people to act without thinking.
Keep these key points in mind:
- Think before you click. Unexpected files, links and downloads deserve extra caution.
- Watch out for fake security updates. Urgent warnings and countdowns can be designed to pressure you into installing malicious software.
- Use approved software only. Follow your organisation’s authorised installation and update processes.
- Be careful with browser extensions and apps. Install only those that are approved and necessary.
- Report suspicious activity quickly. Unusual device behaviour after a click or installation should never be ignored.
- Leave investigations to the experts. Don’t try to remove suspected malware or fix an affected device yourself unless instructed by IT or Security.
Snappi Cyber Challenge:
Install or Ignore?
Imagine this scenario:
A browser pop-up appears on your screen:
“Critical security update required. Your device is at risk.
Install now.”
The page looks professional, and a 60-second countdown urges you to act immediately.
What should you do?
The correct response is to ignore the installation prompt. Do not download or install anything through the pop-up. Close the page if it is safe to do so, then check for updates through your company’s approved update process or contact IT Support.
Remember, a professional-looking page doesn’t guarantee that a message is legitimate. Urgency is a common tactic used to trick people into making unsafe decisions.
How to protect yourself from malware
A few simple habits can help reduce the risk of malware affecting your device, your work or your information.
- Stop before you install. Don’t open unexpected files or install unfamiliar software.
- Verify the source. Check that software and updates come through approved processes.
- Use authorised installation routes. Where applicable, use Company Portal, approved app stores or IT-supported installation methods.
- Report anything suspicious. Flag unexpected downloads, browser pop-ups and unusual device behaviour through the appropriate support channel.
- Act quickly if something goes wrong. If you have installed something suspicious, contact IT or Security immediately and follow their instructions.
Malware safety: Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Keep your company devices updated through approved mechanisms.
- Use approved applications and browser extensions.
- Report suspicious pop-ups, downloads and unexpected security warnings.
- Ask IT for guidance before installing software that hasn’t been approved.
Don’t
- Install software from unexpected links or browser pop-ups.
- Connect unknown USB devices to your equipment.
- Disable security controls to make an application work.
- Ignore unusual device behaviour following a suspicious click or installation.
- Attempt to investigate or remove suspected malware unless instructed by IT or Security.
Stay alert this Cyber October
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Every time we pause to check a download, question an unexpected update or report suspicious activity, we help protect our devices, our business and the people who trust us with their information.
This Cyber October, make one habit part of your daily routine: stop, check and report before you act.
When in doubt, don’t install. Use the approved process and ask IT for help.
Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay cyber-safe.
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