How to Secure Your Devices Against Malware and Spyware

Discover how to safeguard your devices against harmful software and help ensure your data stays secure.

The rise of digital threats

Our phones, laptops, tablets, and desktops have essentially become extensions of ourselves. We use them to send emails, pay bills, video chat with family, store personal documents, and manage everything from our social lives to our careers.

But the more we rely on these devices, the more attractive we become to cybercriminals looking to sneak in through the digital cracks. Malware and spyware, in particular, are no longer just background threats—they’re advanced, evolving tools designed to steal passwords, hijack webcams, track your online activity, and even drain your bank account without you noticing.

Malware is a general term for malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to digital devices or networks. Spyware is a specific type of malware whose primary purpose is to secretly monitor your activities and steal your information, often without your knowledge or consent.

Every day, millions are affected by these digital threats, leading to data breaches, identity theft, drained bank accounts, and worse. The good news: With proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk.

This guide will teach you how malware and spyware infect devices, how to spot signs of infection, and most importantly, how to help secure your devices and personal data against these dangers.

How malware and spyware infect devices

Understanding how malware and spyware infiltrate your devices can be the first step in preventing them. These threats can find their way into your system through a variety of methods:

Phishing and malicious links

One of the most common infection methods is phishing—emails, texts, or messages designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. These links can lead to fake websites or downloads that install malware on your device without your knowledge.

Untrustworthy downloads

Malware often hides in software, music, video, game, or app downloads from unofficial sources. Even seemingly legitimate programs from third-party app stores or sketchy websites can be bundled with dangerous programs.

Compromised websites

Sometimes, just visiting a compromised website can infect your device, especially if your operating system or browser isn’t up to date.

Infected USB drives and hardware

Plugging in a compromised USB drive, external drive, or other hardware can also introduce malware, particularly in public spaces or borrowed equipment.

Exploiting vulnerabilities

Hackers often exploit security flaws in outdated software, operating systems, or hardware configurations to slip malware into your device without any need for you to click or install anything.

Understanding these infection routes can be critical; you can defend yourself more effectively if you know where the attacks may come from.

Signs your device may be infected

Malware and spyware are often designed to be stealthy, but they frequently leave clues behind. Here are the most common warning signs that your device may be infected:

Noticeable performance issues

• Computer or phone feels sluggish, takes longer to boot, or frequently crashes
• Applications freeze or shut down unexpectedly.

Unfamiliar applications or activities

• Strange apps appear that you didn’t install.
• Your browser homepage has changed, or unwanted toolbars are present.
• Your device is sending out messages or emails you didn’t create.

Unusual behavior

• Frequent pop-up ads, alarming security warnings, or prompts to buy “cleaning software.”
• Excessive battery drain or increased data usage out of the ordinary.
• Devices that heat up while idle or while running typical apps.

Security warnings

• Alerts from your antivirus or built-in device security telling you there’s an issue.

Locked out or ransomware demands

• Your device suddenly locks, or you receive demands to pay to regain access to your files or device.

When you see any of these signs, especially in combination, act fast to prevent further damage.

Essential steps to protect your devices

While the threat is real, following these essential steps can make your device much harder for cybercriminals to attack.

Keep software and operating systems up to date

Hackers often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities—bugs or flaws in software that haven’t been fixed. Manufacturers and software providers regularly release security updates to patch these holes. Turn on automatic updates for both your operating system and all applications.

Don’t ignore update notifications!

Use strong, unique passwords everywhere

Passwords are a critical line of defense. Use complex passwords—at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols—unique for each account. Never reuse passwords. Where possible, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of protection.

Install and use reputable security software

A high-quality antivirus or anti-malware program acts as a security guard for your device, scanning for malicious activity and quarantining suspicious files.

Key features to look for:

• Real-time protection
• Automatic updates
• Web protection (blocking dangerous sites)
• Email scanning

Make sure your security software is always updated to detect the newest threats effectively.

Be careful with links, emails, and downloads

• Don’t click on email links or attachments unless you trust the sender and are expecting them.
• Be suspicious of urgent requests, too-good-to-be-true offers, or anything prompting you to “act now.”
• Download apps and software only from official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play) and reputable websites.

Review and limit app permissions

On mobile devices especially, many apps request unnecessary permissions to access your contacts, camera, mic, or location.

Review app permissions regularly and deny permissions that aren’t essential to the app’s function.

Use secure internet connections

Public Wi-Fi networks—cafes, hotels, airports—are frequently unencrypted and open to hackers.

• Always connect to trusted, password-protected Wi-Fi.
• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or completing purchases over public Wi-Fi.
• Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your traffic.

Regular backups and encryption

Back up your data regularly—photos, documents, important files—so you can recover them if your device is compromised or lost. Use external hard drives and/or secure cloud backups, and encrypt your backups whenever possible.

Physically secure your devices

Simple theft or unauthorized access can be as devastating as remote attacks.

• Don’t leave devices unattended in public places.
• Enable screen locks and set devices to auto-lock after a short period of inactivity.
• For computers, consider using a guest account and restricting admin privileges.

What to do if you suspect an infection

Even the best precautions aren’t foolproof. If you notice signs of infection:

1. Disconnect from the internet to stop data leaks or remote access.

2. Run a full scan with your security software to detect and remove malicious programs.

3. Change passwords immediately on all accounts from a different, clean device.

4. Notify relevant contacts if your email or social accounts have been compromised.

5. Restore from backups if malware cannot be completely removed.

6. For severe cases or ransomware, seek professional help and report the incident to authorities (like the FTC or your local law enforcement).

Special tips for different device types

Mobile devices

• Lock your phone with a strong PIN, password, or biometric check.
• Install apps only from official app stores.
• Regularly review permissions and update your device’s software.

Computers

• Use a limited (non-administrator) account for everyday tasks, reserving administrative access for only necessary changes.
• Enable firewalls and monitor your network activity for unknown devices.

Other devices

• Smart home devices (cameras, thermostats, speakers): Change default passwords, keep firmware updated, and segment them on a separate Wi-Fi network if possible.

Staying informed and proactive

Cybersecurity is not static as the threat landscape evolves daily. Stay informed, educate yourself and those around you, and revisit your security setup regularly.

Follow trustworthy resources, like the FTC, EFF, and CISA, for up-to-date tips and alerts. Many security tools and organizations offer free newsletters and security alerts.

Protect yourself, your devices, and your data

Device security is more critical than ever. While malware and spyware are ever-present threats, practical steps—updating software, using strong passwords, installing security tools, and staying vigilant—can keep your devices and information safe. Make security part of your everyday digital routine, just as you lock your doors at home or leave valuables out of sight in public.

The investment you make in proactive protection can safeguard your data, finances, reputation, and peace of mind.

Keep your personal information safe with BeenVerified

Locking down your devices is a smart move, but what about the information that’s already out there? Names, phone numbers, home addresses, email accounts, all of it can end up online, sometimes without you ever realizing it. And once it’s out, it can be hard to track where it’s gone or who has access to it.

If you’ve ever been curious or concerned about what’s floating around about you or someone else you’re interacting with, it helps to have a reliable tool to turn to. That’s where BeenVerified comes in.

BeenVerified offers a straightforward way to search for people, vehicles, phone numbers, addresses, and more—all in one place. Their subscription includes eight powerful tools rolled into a single platform:

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Whether you’re trying to verify a new contact, get more context on a suspicious message, or just keep tabs on your own digital footprint, BeenVerified gives you the information you need to make smarter, safer decisions.

You can’t control everything on the internet, but you can take steps to protect what matters. Signing up for BeenVerified can be one of them.