Different malware have different requirements for the actors behind it when it comes to avoiding detection. For example, to be successful wipers and infostealers only need to be active for a very short time, while ransomware needs to be active until all the files are encrypted, after which it clearly announces its presence on the system. On the other hand, spyware, RATs and adware need to remain hidden for a long time to be successful for their operators.

It is not always easy to recognise malware, as it often happens that users are initially unaware that their device or system is infected. Sometimes malware activity can be noticed due to spontaneous deterioration of system performance, but not all malware affects performance and certainly not every deterioration of system performance is caused by malware.

The average user certainly cannot be expected to completely remove malware on their own without the use of specific anti-malware software. These programs monitor the system, scan the files downloaded from the internet and email, and if they find any malware, they quarantine it or delete it, depending on the settings.

However, it is not enough to just install a specific application that will scan and remove malware - it is also important that users do not install untrusted applications, click on suspicious links, open suspicious emails, or visit unreliable websites.