Malware and extortion

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A man with dark hair, a beard, and a serious expression, sitting on a couch in a dimly lit room, looking at his laptop computer. The room has dark wooden walls with two vertical gray stripes, and there is an open notebook and a tablet on the wooden table in front of him. There are pillows behind him on the couch.
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Abstract background with a large white circle on the left and a gradient light blue background.
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What is malware?

Malware (malicious software) is when a criminal puts software on one of your devices to steal information, spy on you, or cause damage, without your permission. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware, which locks or encrypts your device or data and demands payment to restore access. 

Criminals also use other forms of ransom or extortion without software, threatening to share sensitive information, images, or videos about you unless you pay or meet their demands.

Get help with malware, ransomware, or extortion now

Read our step-by-step guides to learn about, recover from, and contain malware, ransomware, and extortion threats.

  • Icon of a computer monitor with a skull and circuit lines symbolizing cybersecurity threat or malware.

    Malicious software

    One of your devices has been infected with malicious software.

    Read more
  • Icon of a folder with a lock and chain, indicating security or restricted access.

    Encrypting ransomware

    You can use your device and see your files, but they have been encrypted and the file extensions changed.

    Read more
  • Icon of a computer monitor with a lock and chain symbol, representing cybersecurity or data protection

    Screen-locking ransomware

    A ransom note appears as soon as you turn on your device and you can't use the device in any other way.

    Read more
  • Icon of a skull above a folder labeled "TOP SECRET" on a yellow background.

    Content for ransom

    Someone has gained access to sensitive information about you and is trying to get you to pay (or do something) to stop them sharing it.

    Read more
  • Icon of a camera and alert symbol on a yellow background.

    Sextortion (extortion or blackmail using intimate images)

    Someone threatens to share intimate images or videos of you unless you pay money or meet their demands.

    Read more
  • Icon of a hand holding a smartphone against a yellow circular background.

    I'm not sure what's happened, but something isn't right

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Speak to an expert

Some cybercrime cases require a helping hand or further investigation. If you have spoken to our chatbot, read our guides, and still need more help with your issue, our chatbot can connect you to a real cybersecurity expert.

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Contact support organizations

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