Just like flu season, malware is always a threat. The best protection is a combination of protective tools and user vigilance.
Malware is any code that harms computer systems, networks, or servers. This includes viruses, ransomware, worms, spyware, and Trojan horses. Each type has a different objective, but they all accomplish their goals by infiltrating the system and then stealing or damaging data.
Viruses
There are many types of viruses on the planet, but only a few can infect humans and cause disease. Viruses are tiny germs containing genetic material (either DNA or RNA) inside a protein coating. Viruses cannot reproduce independently and must infect a host cell to grow and make more viruses.
Viruses are infectious agents that infect the living cells of all organisms. They have a case or a protective shell (called a capsid) made of proteins and sometimes a spiky covering called an envelope. Inside the capsid are a nucleus and genetic material. The virus hijacks the host cell’s machinery to replicate itself. Eventually, the virus bursts out of its host cell, usually killing it in the process, and goes on to infect more cells.
Viruses infect us through the mucous membranes in our nose, eyes, mouth, penis, and genitals; through droplets of fluid (coughing or sneezing); or Someone can spread a virus by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Often, viruses lay dormant in our body’s cells for years until specific triggers, such as stress or chemical signals, cause the virus to explode.
Trojans
what is malware? Malware is any code that harms computer systems, networks, or servers. One of the types is Trojan, a malicious program that infiltrates your computer while impersonating an innocent-looking program. It carries out several kinds of attacks, including data deletion, censorship, modification, and disruption to the operation of computers or networks. Trojans may be standalone tools or platforms for other malware. For example, ransom Trojans encrypt files and require payment in exchange for their decryption; Trojan downloaders install additional malware on your computer; and rootkits hide malicious programs from detection.
Trojans get their name from the Greek legend of a wooden horse that concealed soldiers. They can damage your business by draining bank accounts, disrupting operations, leaking confidential information, and destroying your customer’s reputation. Protecting your organization from Trojans is possible by taking specific steps. These include ensuring your employees practice good security habits, using cloud backups to avoid the risk of losing data, and working with trusted vendors that abide by strict security practices. Also, deploying antimalware and antivirus software on all devices is vital.
Ransomware
Ransomware is another type of malware that encrypts files and demands money for their return. Some forms of ransomware will even publish the victim’s data unless the attacker is paid, though this malware is relatively rare.
Ransomware can be challenging to detect and remove because it is constantly being written and tweaked by attackers, making it hard for antivirus programs to catch its signatures. Furthermore, ransomware often deletes backup and shadow copies of encrypted files, further preventing recovery without access to the decryption key held by the attackers.
Although most experts recommend not paying ransomware attackers, some businesses find themselves in a position where they cannot afford to do otherwise. In those cases, a cost-benefit analysis usually determines that the best action is to pay the ransom and hope the attackers do their part to recover the data.
Avoid ransomware attacks by carefully monitoring and blocking malicious websites, emails, and attachments through a layered security approach with robust protection. Incorporate cybersecurity awareness training into employee orientation and ongoing learning programs to teach employees how to recognize common phishing scams and other social engineering techniques that attackers use to initiate malware infections. Also, ensure continuous, automated, and protected data backups to allow for rapid restoration in the event of an attack.
Botnets
Cybercriminals use bots to launch a series of attacks against victims. Those attacks include harvesting personal information, such as passwords or social security numbers, and then revealing them on the Dark Web for free, spamming, or DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks that shut down websites or networks.
The hacker that controls the malware-infected devices of a botnet is known as the bot herder. They set up bots using different methods, such as social engineering, phishing emails, and exploiting vulnerabilities in software, websites, or unsecured IoT devices.
Once the bot herder has an extensive network of zombie computers, they can remotely execute commands on the bots. They may mine cryptocurrency, flood other servers with traffic to take them offline, send phishing emails, or spread spam.
The best way to defend against botnets is to keep your network’s devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus programs. Also, avoid buying hardware that doesn’t receive updates a few years after its release, and reboot your router regularly. This helps remove unused services that might be vulnerable to attack and prevents bots from communicating with the attacker’s command server.
Hackers
Hackers use their technical skills to exploit weaknesses in computer systems, online accounts, or software. They may also sell stolen data or information on dark web forums. They are categorized into black, white, and gray hat hackers, depending on their motivation and whether they break the law.
Most malware needs you to do something before it starts doing damage – clicking a link, opening an attachment, or visiting a malicious website. Once on your device, it can perform various tasks, including stealing passwords, encrypting files, or installing additional malware.
Some types of malware can also use brute force attacks to test millions of login combinations on your computer or device. Others, like Logic or Time bombs, lie dormant until a specific date and time.
Some hackers create scripts to break into computer networks that they post on the internet for anyone, including entry-level hackers with limited skills, to use. More advanced hackers then modify these scripts, tools, or utilities. They can include a wide range of vulnerabilities, including zero-day exploits, to gain access to corporate or personal systems and private information.
