The various “wares” that come with cybercrime and cybersecurity efforts are talked about often within the digital business world. As IT consultants, we are continuously seeking new and improved ways to fight against malicious attempts to infiltrate and disrupt your daily business operations.
But, what exactly is malware? And, what steps can you take to protect your business and personal devices and data from the dangers of malware? In today’s blog, we’ll explore just that.
What is Malware?
According to antivirus software experts, McAfee, “Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service or network.”
Stealing Your Data
Cybercriminals across the world are hungry for data, heaps, and heaps of data. Within this data, they can find and receive access to your bank accounts, credit card accounts, PayPal, Venmo, social media pages, etc. – the list goes on and on.
These tactics are ruthless when it comes to your business. Malware attacks can leak not only your company’s critical data but also the data of your clients. If you have access to clients’ WordPress pages, account passwords, and billing information, all of this data will become vulnerable to cyber attacks, effectively ruining your reputation within your industry.
Holding Your Data Hostage
By accessing and stealing private/sensitive data from their targets, cybercriminals can also use this data as ransom or leverage over their target, typically for financial gain. Search history, client data, passwords, and even health records are all vulnerable to cybercriminals and can be leveraged to wreak havoc upon your business and personal life.
Examples of Malware
There are many types of malware, all different in their design and criminal strategy, but usually unified by one purpose, access to your data. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the most prominent malware examples to watch out for.
Viruses
A virus typically comes in the form of an attachment via email or messaging services. Once the attachment is opened, the computer has been infected. It’s that simple.
Trojans
While they don’t necessarily arrive at your location via wooden horse, Trojans dress themselves up as friendly applications that when opened can crash your computer, steal your information, and even monitor your activities. Creepy.
Spyware
Once spyware is accidentally installed into your computer or network, it can monitor and record you and your business’s day-to-day usage and activity. While Spyware can be used for good, typically employed by law enforcement investigators or parents who wish to monitor their children’s computer usage, cybercriminals can also use Spyware to spy on business operations.
How to Prevent Malware Attacks and Infections
Research and Install Quality Antivirus Software
Whether for personal or business use, you’ll want to research and install the best antivirus software suitable for your day-to-day operations. Updated antivirus software routinely check your computer and networks for any traces of malware, block incoming malware, and warn the user of potentially dangerous websites and email attachments.
Regularly Update Your Technology
Perhaps the simplest way to prevent malware invasions is to regularly update your software and hardware. Tech companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Dell, continuously release security updates and software patches, filling in any hole that malware may slip through. As cybercriminals learn their way around software updates, companies are usually very quick to implement solutions, provided the user takes the necessary time and steps to perform routine updates.
Form a Malware Attack Plan With Experienced IT Professionals
Enlisting the aid of trusted IT professionals can help you form a defense plan against malware and cybercriminal attacks. Together, you can form a plan that fits perfectly within your company infrastructure, preserving your business and your reputation. Qualified IT consultants ensure that your hardware and software are properly updated, including installing the best antivirus software possible.
Categorised in: antispyware, antivirus, data breach, Digital Age, disaster recovery, malware, ransomware