What is Malware?
Malware is malicious software that is made to harm or exploit a device, service, or network. Generally, cybercriminals use it to extract private data to leverage businesses and victims. The types of data that can be extracted ranges from financial records, health records, and even personal information like passwords and usernames. In 2020, the average time to identify a breach was 207 days.

Ways to get Malware
There are a few general ways one can get malware. Usually, it is introduced into a network through phishing, email attachments, or downloads. Another form that is less common but still worrisome Is attaining malware through social media.

Most Common Forms of Malware
Ransomware: This form of malware is the most profitable and popular of the bunch. The malware installs itself into the device or network, encrypts files, and then flips it to demand a ransom. The most common forms of paid ransoms are bitcoin.

Spyware: Generally, spyware is installed on your computer without your knowledge. Once installed, personal data, internet search history, and details on the user are usually obtained. Spyware is also used by law enforcement, government agencies, and information security companies to test and monitor sensitive environments

Trojan Virus: This virus disguises itself as a helpful software program. Once downloaded, the user generally isn’t aware and now can have access to sensitive data, and on top, modify, block, or delete data.Trojans are not designed to self-replicate, unlike other viruses.

Worms: This virus can replicate at a rapid pace and can spread to any device with the network. Worms affect a device through a downloaded file. Just like viruses, worms can affect the operations of a device and cause massive amounts of data loss.

Virus: A virus is a piece of code that inserts itself in an application and executes when the app starts running. Once a virus gets inside your network, it can steal sensitive information, launch DDoS attacks, or conduct ransomware.

Adware: This form of malware tracks user surfing activity to determine which ads are best to serve. Adware is very similar to spyware but doesn’t install software onto a user’s computer. The issue with adware is that it erodes a user’s privacy. After the data is collected, that information can be sold or shared with advertisers.

Next Steps: Detecting Malware and Removal with Tekscape
There is no one size fits all approach to protecting against malware. There needs to be an array of methods put together to protect organizations in the fight against cybercrime. Every organization needs a cybersecurity strategy in place and if there isn’t one, then the organization is a ticking time bomb. To achieve a solid cybersecurity strategy, most organizations consult with 3rd-party vendors that have experience in cybersecurity within the industry vertical. Cybercrime is growing every year and as a company scales their technology so does the need for cybersecurity measures like active monitoring and firewall protection.

There are basic ways to prevent Malware. Install anti-viruses, run regular scans, keeping your operating systems current, securing your network, and not entering open Wi-Fi networks. Even these methods to avoid malware can backfire. As technology grows, so does the tech that cybercriminals use.

Tekscape is a managed IT services provider that specializes in supporting organizations with technology solutions that build toward abetter future. This includes services around cloud computing, collaboration, and security.

Find out if you have malware on any of your employees’ devices with a free consultation.