Drake Software blog for tax pros, covering tax, IRS news, and more

What is malware?

Malware is the name for programs designed to do harm when installed on a device, like viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Criminals use malware to steal financial data, personally identifiable information, and money, often by embedding it in phishing emails, online ads, and website scripts.

The sheer number and variety of malware attacks gave rise to the security software industry. Today, security experts—like those who are part of the Security Summit—recommend a combination of security software and online habits to prevent data theft and other types of cybercrime.

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