In this week’s edition of our ongoing Cyber Security Campaign, the focus is on malware. We will list the different types, highlight the most deployed and offer key information to prevent end-users from being compromised and the ensuing damage. When it comes to malware, prevention is better than a cure. Fortunately, there are easy actions that can be taken to decrease your chances of running into this nefarious software.

 

 

Malware Defined: Software that is written with the sole purpose of damaging devices and stealing data often resulting in significant disruption. There is a broad range of what malware does or how it works, but the common denominator in all forms can be paralyzing to one’s environment.

 

 

•Virus: Usually appearing as an executable file (.exe) computer viruses are akin to biological ones, which attach themselves to clean files and infect other clean files. The virus spreads uncontrollably, damaging a system’s core functionality and delete or corrupt files.

•Trojans: As the name implies from Greek mythology, it disguises itself as legitimate software or is hidden in legitimate compromised software. It acts discreetly and creates backdoors in your security making way for other malware to enter.

•Spyware: Designed to shadow and capture your every keystroke, all while unbeknownst to the end-user. Most often results in stealing your passwords, credit card numbers, and identity.

•Worms: Leveraging network interfaces, it infects entire networks of devices, either local or across the internet. It expands and uses each consecutively infected machine to infect others.

•Ransomware: Locks down the computer and files, demanding a ransom in exchange to reverse the threat. 

•Adware: Aggressive advertising software for the sole purpose to serve you ads opening the door for nocuous malware to enter.

•Botnets: Networks of infected computers designed to work in unison under the control of the attacker.   

 

•Social engineering: Psychological deception aimed at another person for the sheer goal to gain confidential information. The deceptions typically originate from strange emails, abrupt alerts, fake profiles, and attractive offers. Use restraint and do not take the bait when receiving emails with false claims and promises.

•Downloads: The prime reason Mitech One uses Windows Domain and Admin rights. We protect users from inadvertently downloading from an untrustworthy source. This is an added layer to promote user and organizational protection.

•Ads: Also known as Malvertising, infected banners or pop-up ads are used to attract clicks to infect your device. It is challenging to determine which ads are bad. Ad-blockers are the most common tools used to combat this threat.

•Browsing:  It’s always encouraged to only browse to large, reputable sites which dramatically reduce your risk of encountering malware. It’s common for small and local websites to not incorporate security layers.

 

Mitech One recommends using the described preventions and adopting restraint with your clicks and browsing habits. If your organization has not already done so, we encourage reviewing the cost-benefit of adding Mitech One’s Enterprise Anti-Virus/Malware and or Disaster Recovery solutions. For additional information on these services please visit Mitech One Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware, Mitech One Business Continuity, or contact us at support@mitech1.com