Free Malware Removal and Scanning Tools 2020

In this digital age, malware accounts for over half of the cyberattacks each year. Despite the advancements in detection and prevention technologies, the malware menace continues to grow and is here to stay. Money is usually the motive behind most malware attacks. With massive data generated at all times, getting control of this data is like hitting the jackpot.

In this guide, we will go deep in detail and explain what is malware, various types of malware, how to know if your devices have malware, and how to deal with malware removal.

Best Malware Removal Software:

In a Rush? Here are 3 Quick Steps for Instant Malware Removal:

1. Click here to download and install Malwarebytes for your device.
2. Run a full free malware scan by clicking the Scan Now button. This process takes a few minutes.
3. After the malware scan is complete, click Remove Selected to remove detected threats from your device. Sometimes a restart may be required to clean your device entirely.

 

What is Malware?

Malware is a short form of malicious software. This general term applies to any program, software, or code, which poses ‘harm’ to a computing system and associated devices. Usually, this harm includes; alteration or deletion of data, stealing and encrypting data, taking control of core functions of the operating system, sending information to prying eyes, and all the intrusive deeds that happen without the users’ knowledge. In other words, malware can be termed as software that interferes with the normal operations of a computing environment in a harmful way.

What types of malware are there?

There are many classifications of malware, each intended to cause harm in its unique way. Other malware may be harmless but open doors to more dangerous malware. Here are the top ten most common types of malware that continue to wreak havoc.

• Adware – Also known as, advertising malware is a type of persistent malware that usually installs itself without direct permission from the user. This type of malware continuously pushes and displays ads in the form of pop-ups, autoplay commercials, banners on your device. Sometimes, adware can alter your search results to show ads or redirect you to advertising websites. Other adware goes to the extent of collecting data bait your browsing activities.
• Crypto-jacking – is a trend of malware that uses crypto mining code to use a victim’s computing resources such as CPU and GPU power to mine cryptocurrencies. All this is done without the victim’s knowledge, and the cybercriminals collect the cryptocurrencies mined.
• Exploit – is a type of malware that takes advantage of various flaws and vulnerabilities in a system to carry out more harm. This malware is used as a drop other malware. Exploits are complicated in a way that other malware can also be droppers of other malware. For instance, an adware can be used for malvertising. This can, in turn, be used to install Trojans that create a backdoor for other malware.
• Key logger – as the name suggests, this type of malware is used to monitoring and record all the keystrokes performed on a keyboard. After a specified amount of data is logged, key loggers transmit the data to the author. This data can be analyzed to for various sensitive information, including emails, usernames and passwords, and even bank details. Key loggers are usually bundled with other types of malware such as spyware.
• Ransomware – this type of malware encrypts your entire files and even locks you out of your device. It then displays a message with instructions on how you can decrypt your files or gain access to your device; usually, the message prompts you to pay a ransom in the form of cryptocurrencies to a specific address included in the message.
• Rootkit – is a malware that gives its author’s administrator privileges or root access in the infiltrated computing system. This type of malware is hard to find as it can disguise as file of the operating system.
• Trojan – Also known as Trojan horse, is a type of malware that masquerades itself as something legitimate or useful. This trick is used to fool victims to getting the Trojan into their computer system. Once granted access, a Trojan creates a backdoor for other malware to infiltrate the system.
• Spyware – from its name, this malware collects and sends your sensitive information to its authors without your knowledge and consent. Depending on the design, this malware uses stealth to perform its operations. Confidential information it collects includes; your browsing habits and mostly personally-identifying information such as your name, your addresses, biometric data, email address, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and anything that can be linked to you.
• Virus – This dangerous type malware replicates and modifies various programs with its code. Usually, the virus lays dormant until it is executed. Infected programs may become corrupt and not work correctly as they are supposed to.
• Worm – this is a type of malware whose primary function is to self-replicate, spread, and infect other computing devices in a network. Worms cause major network disruptions, and in some cases, they may alter files and data.

How to know if your device has malware?

Malware can be hard or easy to detect, depending on the type of malware and the infected device. Here are the basic symptoms of a malware-infected device.

Malware Removal Guide 2020:

The most recommendable way of getting rid of malware is by using a reputable antimalware or antivirus software. This software is engineered to detect, clean and prevent your device from new malware infections. All you have to do is download and install a reputable antimalware or antivirus software such as Malwarebytes and proceed as follows;

1. Launch Malwarebytes Antimalware software.
2. On the Dashboard section, click the Scan now button to perform a threat scan.
3. On the results that show up, select the items you want to quarantine/disable, if any.
4. Click the next button to select preinstalled software you want to quarantine/disable – the detected software might be the one injecting malware.
5. Lastly, click the Quarantine button to move selected items to the quarantine section.
6. If you want to get rid of the detected items, open the Quarantine section, and click the Delete button.

Once your device is clean, take care of your sensitive information by changing your username and passwords, and uninstalling any residual programs that you did not install.

Alternatively, check out these Adware, Browser hijackers, Pop-ups, Rogue programs, Spyware, Trojan, and virus removal tips on more details on how to get rid of malware.

Best Free Malware Scanner and Malware Removal Tools 2020:

1. McAfee – Our Best Malware Scanner and Removal Software

Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Free Malware Scanner: Yes

Instant Malware Removal: Yes

 

McAfee is more than antivirus software; it is a solution that protects what matters most and gives you peace of mind. McAfee is known to do accurate scans with no false detections, very reliable and a trendsetter in the antivirus realm. This award-winning virus protection solution detects, deletes and prevents viruses, malware, Trojans, adware, and ransomware from infecting your devices. McAfee also offers web protection, real-time protection, blocks web phishing attempts and manages your browsers. It also offers other functionalities such as identity protection, password manager and a firewall.

Besides offering accurate results a robust performance, McAfee is one of the easiest and straightforward antivirus software. Its user interface is very informative with current trends and allows you to access features and functionalities in an intuitive nature. It is also customizable. McAfee offers a big shield like scan button and presents scans in a friendly way. MacAfee offers its packages in premium versions that come with a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

Download McAfee and get rid of malware in a quick scan.

2. Kaspersky – Excellent Free Malware Tool for Beginners

Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Free Malware Scanner: Yes

Instant Malware Removal: Yes

Kaspersky is a well-established Antivirus product with a lot of reputation, both good and bad. The good, Kaspersky, is an excellent antivirus product, it has passed many independent tests with perfect scores, something many antivirus products in the industry have not achieved. The bad, Kaspersky has been associated with co-operating with Russian intelligence. A while ago, it was accused of mining data for the Russian intelligence agencies. Kaspersky denied the allegations and assured its consumers that its only purpose is to protect devices from online threats. Aside from the bad reputation, Kaspersky still is excellent antivirus product for your devices.

Its antivirus engine uses machine learning, which is much better than the old method of scanning malware signatures. This has given Kaspersky an upper hand in the industry and enables the antivirus to detect zero-day threats. Besides the engine, Kaspersky has other features and functionalities that ensure your device is impenetrable. Kaspersky uses real-time protection, web protection, file protection, and email protection modules. These modules protect against viruses, worms, Trojans and various types of malware. Additionally, getting started with Kaspersky is an easy task. All you have to do is download and install the antivirus software, click scan and wait for the antivirus to do its job. It has an intuitive interface with easy access to features and functionalities.

Download Kaspersky and get rid of malware in a quick scan.

Top 10 Countries by Most Mobile Malware Infections in the Q3 2019

According to data gathered by PreciseSecurity.com, over 50% of mobile users in Iran have fallen victim to mobile malware infections in the third quarter of the current year. Other countries among the top 10 included Bangladesh and India. Malware infections have affected millions of users around the world in the last year and it seems the trend would not change in the near future.

This data shows that it is certainly necessary to protect the data users have on their smartphones and that use to handle daily. Financial data is perhaps the most important one because it can materially affect users that manage bank accounts or other financial applications with their smartphones.

As PreciseSecurity.com reported a few days ago, MS Office represents 73% of the most commonly exploited applications worldwide. Other exploited applications by cybercriminals included Browsers and operating systems as well. As per this article, Android represented 9.09% of the most exploited OS by cybercriminals.

Our Top 7 Malware Protection Tips:

Malware is continually evolving and to deal with the menace you have to practice safe computing by:

FAQ

 

Can multiple malware infect my device?

Yes, multiple malware can infect your device. For instance, a Trojan can be used to create a backdoor for a virus, spyware, or a worm.

Do mobile devices get malware?

In the recent past, mobile devices have been the main target of malware. This is because of the exponential growth of mobile users and vulnerabilities available in mobile devices. Besides, mobile devices carry a lot of sensitive information including financial details.

Do Apple devices get malware?

Apple devices are generally considered secure, but this does not make them immune to malware. There are malware that specifically target vulnerabilities in Apple devices. It is always recommendable to protect your Apple devices.

Can malware affect my business?

Malware attacks target both individuals and businesses. Businesses are at high risk of being malware targets because of a broader attack surface: incur more damage and the malware author will get high returns.

Wrap up

Malware is forever evolving, and each new variant comes with devastating effects. Always practice safe computing and remember to perform regular system scans.