If you have a computer, you may be asking, “What is the best protection against malware?” Malware, in simple terms, is a condensed version of harmful software created by hackers to steal data, harm information systems, and cause chaos in the computer network. It encompasses traditional viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, and, in more recent times, ransomware.
But what exactly is malware? Short for malicious software, malware is a type of computer program created to infect a user’s computer or device and cause harm to it in several different ways.
Malware comes in multiple forms, but computer viruses are the most common and familiar type of malware, spreading by creating copies of themselves. Spyware, on the other hand, transmits personal information like credit card numbers.
Why Do You Require Malware Protection?
People no longer only use laptops or personal computers to access the internet. Other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and others can do the job better today.
With the Internet of Things (IoT) prevailing over our lives, malware protection is paramount. It only takes a couple of moments of indiscretion to exhaust your bank accounts and compromise your identity. In the modern digital era, malware is the most dangerous enemy.
Different Types Of Malware
Malware can attack in different forms. Here are the various types of malware that you could encounter in your day-to-day lives.
Virus
Like their biological namesakes, viruses attach to computer files and infect them. They can also grow uncontrollably and damage your computer system by corrupting data. Usually, the viruses are present as a . EXE file.
Trojan Horse
This malware is named after the renowned Trojan Horse from the War of Troy. As per its name, this malware disguises itself as true software to act discreetly and enable others to infiltrate the information systems network.
Worms
Worms are like viruses, but they affect a complete network of computer systems using network interfaces. It is contagious malware.
Spyware
Spyware is malware that conceals itself in the background and spies on your activities online. Hence, it keeps track of your operations, credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
Ransomware
As its name suggests, this malware encrypts your files or locks your PC system completely. Hackers may threaten you to give up a ransom; if you don’t comply, they might delete all the data from your systems.
Adware
Adware automatically promotes advertisements to generate revenue for its creator or a 3rd party. It is normally used in conjunction with spyware.
Botnets
Here, the attacker secretly infects and seizes command of a private computer network, orchestrating them to collaborate in harmful activities.
Detecting Malware
To avoid malware attacks, it’s crucial to understand how to detect malware. Identifying ransomware and adware proves easiest, as they reveal themselves promptly. Spyware and Trojan horses, aiming for maximum harm, stay concealed for an extended duration.
Viruses and worms operate covertly, taking some time before becoming apparent. Installing high-quality antivirus software on your computer systems is the most fundamental way to prevent malware.
Most of the time, you won’t even notice that you’ve installed malware. There are, however, some clear signs to look out for to work out if you’ve suffered an attack.
- Your computer runs slower than usual, i.e., loading applications or website pages takes longer.
- Your computer constantly crashes.
- You’re seeing a huge amount of website pop-ups.
- Programs on your computer have been turned off.
- You find new programs on your computer that you still need to install.
- There are new toolbars on your internet browser.
If you do experience a malware attack, instantly shut everything down. Disconnect your internet and other wireless functions such as BlueTooth and wifi. This will help to stop it from spreading!
What Is the Best Protection Against Malware?
Malware can be pretty sneaky, making it tough to avoid; however, you can do several things to protect your systems against attacks.
Here are steps to ensure that your company is best protected against threats.
Be Vigilant!
To protect yourself against any attacks, being wary of potential threats is crucial. The most common form of intrusion is email, with 94% of malware delivered by email in 2019.
- Only click on trusted links and only open attachments from known sources.
- Check the format of the email. Phishing emails tend to contain spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
- If you are unsure about an email or weren’t expecting certain document links or attachments, it’s always worth checking with the sender before opening it.
- When you receive spam emails, log them as spam in your inbox so that your provider is aware, and delete them immediately!
Employee Training
Educating your workforce and how to protect against it is an extremely important way to reduce potential threats. A large number of attacks take place because employees can’t recognize a malware attack.
Ensure to have frequent and comprehensive employee training, particularly around phishing emails, as these comprise ⅓ of all security breaches! You should also update employees on major security breaches in and outside the company and create a company policy around security. This will ensure you have complete and extensive vigilance across the organization.
Strengthen Password Protection
Ensure that each workforce member understands the importance of strong and secure passwords, and enforce regular password changes. A great way to keep your passwords secure is using a password keeper! You also need multi-factor verification processes, which will only strengthen your password protection.
Security Software
Why is malware protection so important? Having antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware software as part of your security software is crucial to protecting your business from malware threats. The software lets you know of any potential threats on suspicious sites. But how do you remove malware from your system? Security software prevents and can identify and defeat any malware that may have already infected your computer!
Firewalls
Do firewalls stop malware? A firewall works by filtering out potential threats to your programs and systems, but it can’t stop everything from getting through! The answer, then, is that it’s a great tool as part of your malware protection.
Update Systems Regularly
One of the main methods cybercriminals use to infect systems is through holes in software. The best way to ward off these attacks is to update your systems regularly! Developers are continually working to find ways to solve bugs and weaknesses, fixing problems in software – enacted in software updates.
Regular IT Audits
Regular IT audits for a more in-depth analysis of your company’s IT infrastructure will also help you understand whether your current controls work effectively to protect your data. It will also throw up any potential threats to your current IT systems.
Be Prepared for An Attack
While you can be as vigilant as possible to ward off potential threats, it’s important to be prepared in case one does happen. Put together a malware handling procedure and response plan that your employees can easily follow if an attack occurs.
If you are subject to a malware attack, encryption is the best way to prevent damage to your company’s data. On average, just 5% of businesses’ folders are protected! If your data is encrypted, it presents itself in a code that the hacker can’t interpret. If your system is breached, you minimize the risk of your information being stolen. You should also make sure to back up your company’s data frequently so that it isn’t lost if your information is stolen!
Protect Your Hardware
While you’re protecting all of your software, you must remember your hardware! Ensure that you have strong security measures in place for your office to protect against any theft of equipment and data stored on it.
Final Words
Computers and malware are synonymous with each other. As long as people use computers and the internet, they must contend with different malware. Hence, protecting your information systems from such malware attacks becomes imperative. A robust antivirus software solution should be ideal for protecting your computer network from such malicious attacks.
Do you need a comprehensive solution to protect your system and data from malware attacks? Please reach out to us today!
