Malware, being one of the common causes of data breaches, is something every IT and security expert should be concerned about. It’s a fact that many businesses will install anti-virus and forget about it, not knowing that malware can still bypass anti-virus software and firewalls. Show The truth is, no anti-virus or anti-malware will protect you from ALL malware. If an infection slips through, it means that your confidential information will be put at risk. With that being said, it’s important to know the different types of malware and how to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more.
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What is malware?Malware is an umbrella term for any piece of software that has malicious intent. There are several types of malware and each of them has a unique way of infiltrating your computer which may include attempts at gaining unauthorized control of your computer systems, stealing your personal information, encrypting your important files, or causing other harm to your computers. Sometimes the damage can be irrevocable. Where does malware come from?Some of the most common sources of malware are email attachments, malicious websites, torrents, and shared networks.
Phishing – Emails can be disguised to be coming from a fraudulent company for the sole purpose of getting you to reveal personal information Malicious Websites – Some websites may attempt to install malware onto your computer, usually through popups or malicious links Torrents – Files shared through BitTorrents are generally unsafe because you never know what to expect until they’re downloaded Shared Networks – A malware-infected computer on the same shared network may spread malware onto your computer 7 Common Types of MalwareHere’s a list of the common types of malware and their malicious intent: 1. TrojansA Trojan (or Trojan Horse) disguises itself as legitimate software with the purpose of tricking you into executing malicious software on your computer. 2. SpywareSpyware invades your computer and attempts to steal your personal information such as credit card or banking information, web browsing data, and passwords to various accounts. 3. AdwareAdware is unwanted software that displays advertisements on your screen. Adware collects personal information from you to serve you with more personalized ads. 4. RootkitsRootkits enable unauthorized users to gain access to your computer without being detected. 5. RansomwareRansomware is designed to encrypt your files and block access to them until a ransom is paid. 6. WormsA worm replicates itself by infecting other computers that are on the same network. They’re designed to consume bandwidth and interrupt networks. 7. KeyloggersKeyloggers keep track of your keystrokes on your keyboard and record them on a log. This information is used to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. How to prevent malwareSince malware is so widespread and hundreds of thousands of new malicious files are reported every day, there’s no single solution that will prevent all malware. For this reason, we recommend using multiple solutions to add more layers of protection to your computers. Use SoftwareHere is a list of some malware prevention software we recommend:
Be CautiousA little common sense and caution can also prevent malware from infecting your computer. Here are some tips:
Additional Tip: Always back up your files!As mentioned earlier in this article, sometimes malware can cause irrevocable damage — such as file encryption and file loss. To save yourself a lot of trouble, it’s important to keep your files backed up so you can restore them in case something like this happens.
Malware Malware refers to a group of computer programs designed to work against the requirements of a user’s computer for the purposes of causing harm. Those who spread malware are called “hackers.” There are several different classes of malware. Malware is a significant problem throughout the world resulting in billions of dollars in damages to individuals and businesses every year. Below is a summary of some of the most common forms of malware. Viruses These are computer programs that replicate and modify other programs by inserting code. Viruses typically target individual computers. Worm A worm is a malicious program that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers, often in a single network. Worms target groups of connected computers on a network. Trojan Horse A Trojan horse is a malicious program designed to trick a user about its true intent. Trojan horses typically show up in e-mail attachments or drive-by downloads. They often create “backdoors” which allows the creator unauthorized access to a user’s computer. Ransomware Ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts the files on a user’s computer so they are unreadable. These files can only be retrieved if the user agrees to pay a ransom (usually in Bitcoin) within a specified amount of time to obtain a decryption key. Decryption without the key is impossible. Spyware Spyware is a type of malicious program covertly installed on a user’s computer to collect important information such as credit card numbers or passwords. Scareware Scareware is a type of malicious program designed to scare people into buying unwanted programs such as anti-virus software. Scareware typically comes in the form of warnings or alerts that the user’s computer is infected with a virus and the purchase of software is the only way to save the computer.
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