As "The Circus Machines I" by Daniel Pemberton plays in the background, a woman casually browses her phone while lounging on her couch. Google says that people often discover that they have malware from two sources: their browser or from the malware itself.

The alert will falsely inform you that your Chrome browser has been damaged by 13 malware and needs fixing. The alert recommends that you download some kind of program to fix your Chrome browser. But instead of a legitimate tool, you would end up downloading malware or some other questionable program.

Malware is an umbrella term for any type of “malicious software” that's designed to infiltrate your device without your knowledge, cause damage or disruption to your system, or steal data. Adware, spyware, viruses, botnets, trojans, worms, rootkits, and ransomware all fall under the definition of malware.

scam is a fake virus alert that intends to deceive users and force them to download/install questionable software. The alert will falsely inform you that your Chrome browser has been damaged by 13 malware and needs fixing. The alert recommends that you download some kind of program to fix your Chrome browser.

If you see an alert pop up on your computer, smartphone, or another device, don't click on anything - it is likely a scam designed to trick you into installing malware. There are a few ways to tell if a virus alert is fake.

Malware protection is a robust cyber security solution that adds an extra layer of security to your computer to protect against cyberattacks. Once downloaded to your device, malware protection periodically scans your computer to identify, quarantine, and eliminate any malware to keep your systems secure.

While the overwhelming majority of malicious programs are designed to make money illegally, the motives behind creating malware can range widely from pranks and activism, to cyber theft, espionage, and other serious crimes.

Malware is a catch-all term for various forms of malicious software, including viruses, spyware, adware, browser hijacking software, and fake security software.

You received a virus warning on your iPhone - is it real? The first thing to remember if you receive a pop-up warning that your phone has a virus is not to panic. These warnings are always mobile scams, usually designed to trick you into clicking on a link.

If a pop-up claims that you have a virus and you need to pay to get rid of it, it's definitely a scam. Legitimate antivirus software companies don't work like this. They offer a subscription to protect your device, and they don't chase you around the web asking you to pay.

A pop-up virus is a false warning of a virus that “pops up” on the screen of your desktop or mobile device. These messages can be very persistent and invasive, preventing you from using your device as you'd like. Pop-up viruses often trick people by posing as legitimate security software such as an antivirus program.

What is Malware Protection? Malware security protection provides that second vital layer of protection for your computer or network. A robust antivirus software package is the primary component of technological defenses that every personal and business computer system should have.