The variants of malware that exist in the network are very numerous and can affect all types of devices, programs and systems. The objectives of cybercriminals are also very varied, although generally what they cause is the malfunction of equipment and the theft of information. In this article we try to explain how viruses affect the mouse and what we can do to avoid being victims.
Malware that affects mouse performance
Many types of viruses , indeed malicious software, can compromise the proper functioning of devices. They can slow down our computer or mobile, make the keyboard unresponsive, the sound card or network not working well and, also, affect the operation of the mouse.
This is something that can happen to Windows users especially. There are different varieties of viruses that could drive the mouse pointer crazy and make it impossible to control it normally. It is true that in recent years this is not as common as before, we can run into this problem.
Usually behind the malware that controls the mouse is a Trojan. Hackers are looking for a way to sneak these types of threats onto our computer and then take control of the cursor and be able to click wherever they want.
We could also find a virus that does not aim to control movement, but simply affects the mouse drivers and causes us to be unable to use it. This could also affect the keyboard.
How they can infect us with malware and damage the mouse
As with any variety of malware that can affect our systems, viruses that damage mouse performance can arrive by very different methods. We are going to show which are the most common to be alert and not make mistakes that may affect us.
Compromised websites
One of the entry routes is through web pages that have been compromised. Hackers can modify legitimate sites or create others to carry out their objectives. In this way they manage to sneak malicious software that can infect the victim’s computer when browsing that site.
Generally, we arrive at these pages through third-party links and pop-up windows appear that, when clicked, download a malicious file to our computer. There have been varieties of adware that could control mouse movement.
Archives by email
Email is also a major source of entry for viruses and threats. Through a simple malicious attachment we can put our equipment at risk and affect privacy.
Cybercriminals use this method because it is very easy to carry out and they constantly improve the techniques they use to bypass security filters and reach their destination.
Software download
Of course downloading software can also be a problem. We can download a program from the Internet that has been maliciously modified and that may affect the mouse and other devices.
Vulnerabilities in the system
Especially when sneaking Trojans, hackers also rely on possible uncorrected security flaws in a system. They use it as a gateway to thus take control of a computer on the network. This can affect both the operating system and any program that we are using.
Possible symptoms that the mouse is affected by a virus
If we have come this far it is because our computer is possibly affected and somehow the mouse does not work properly. Let’s see what are the most common possible symptoms and that alert us that some variety of malware can control the mouse.
Mouse pointer moves by itself
One of those most obvious symptoms is when the mouse pointer moves by itself . We have the computer turned on and suddenly we see that it is making a series of movements that we have not done. You can also click on certain folders, open files … Ultimately, this may be a sign that you are being controlled by a third party.
Slow movement
It could also happen that the movements are slow, choppy and we notice difficulty in using it normally. It may be a cause that some malware is affecting the device drivers and causing a malfunction.
The pointer has disappeared
Another very common sign is seeing that the pointer has disappeared . They may actually be using the mouse, although we cannot visibly see it. Malware can hide it and thus prevent the victim from being able to quickly regain control or discover what is really going on.
We connect it and it does not turn on
When a virus of this type affects the drivers of a device, it can make it not work. We can see this if we connect the mouse and check that it does not move, that it is simply as if we had not plugged it in.
How to prevent malware from controlling the mouse
We have seen how we can be victims of malware that controls the mouse and also what are the most common signals. Now we are going to show some tips to avoid being victims of this problem, which is the main thing in the end.
Use security tools
Having security programs is always very important to keep our systems in good condition. We have many antivirus and other tools at our disposal, both free and paid, that can prevent the entry of malware that affects the mouse.
This is something that we must apply at all times, regardless of the type of operating system we are using. It is essential to maintain smooth operation and privacy on the network.
Have the systems updated
Hackers sometimes take advantage of vulnerabilities in systems to sneak Trojans and other threats. These failures can leave a gateway for them to take control of the team.
This means that we must always keep the systems updated and with all the patches installed. So we can correct those problems.
Download only from legitimate sources
We have seen that one of the entry routes for malware is through software downloads . Cybercriminals can maliciously modify a program that is theoretically legitimate to achieve their objectives.
For this reason, we must always download from official stores and sites, to make sure that our downloads are legitimate and that there are no problems.
Common sense
Last, but perhaps most important of all to avoid viruses that affect the mouse, common sense . Many threats come from mistakes we make when browsing. For example, download malicious files that reach us by e-mail, click on suspicious links, etc.
If we maintain common sense and avoid mistakes we can gain a lot in security and adequately protect our equipment.