We would love to tell you that the internet is full of honest and reliable people, however, this isn’t the case, and you need to always be alert and aware of potential risks that can harm your network and organisation.
Malware is one of the most prevalent cyber-threats there is in today’s day and age, with the potential to harm anything it touches.
Malware (short for “malicious software”) is a software specifically created with the intention to harm and infect a specific network or system that it will be targeting. It is important to note that while this may sound like a virus, a virus is just one type of malware that can be a large threat to your computer’s safety.
Lucky for you, however, our aim is to ensure you remain educated and aware when it comes to best practice cyber-security and in this article, we will help you stay safe from Malware.
So, let’s start with the three most prevalent types of Malware;
Virus
A virus is a specific type of code that infects various other software within the host system that is being attacked. Think of it as more a parasite that spreads through script files and documents. Viruses can be known to compromise personal information, steal money and harm networks.
Adware
This is short for advertising supported software which is an aspect of malware that automatically delivers advertisements. Traditional examples of adware include; pop ups, get rich quick schemes or “free” versions of software that are “exclusively” available to only you. Adware if successful in entering your network, has the ability to track all user activity as well as steal valuable personal information.
Trojan
A trojan is dangerous as it’s aim is to disguise itself as a normal file or program with the intention to trick users into downloading and installing it. Once this program has been downloaded and granted access into the system, the attacker will be given the autonomy to steal data, install further malware or even monitor all user activity. We cannot stress enough how vital it is to never download anything that looks even somewhat suspicious as downloading it yourself will bypass all security if you deem a program to be “safe” by your standards.
Two Easy Ways To Protect Yourself From Malware
#1 Use Antivirus Software
Ensure you have done your homework and purchased an anti-virus software that can catch malware early. Run regular scans and always pay attention to any potentially harmful threats your software has discovered.
#2 Think Twice Before Clicking Links OR Downloading Anything Online
You wouldn’t trust a suspicious-looking person who tells you to walk down an alleyway in the promise of a free computer, so employ that same level of skepticism when something looks too good to be true online. It often is.
As you can see, it is vital to set yourself up to counter any malicious software that threatens to compromise any valuable data within your computer or overall network. While we have only briefly touched on the main types of malware, please be aware that there are many other forms, including spam ransomware and worms, just to name a few which you should also research in more detail to ensure you’re adequately prepared.