Info Advantage Blog

Malware is a term that stands for ‘malicious software,’ and are created by hackers in order to get access to things they normally should not be able to. There are thousands of different malware programs floating around the internet, waiting for someone to mistakenly download it to wreak havoc on your computers. With so many different types of malware, it can get a little difficult to recognize malicious programs before it’s too late. Here are a few of the most popular types of malware you’ll want to look out for, and how they work to steal your valuable assets.

Adware

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a special type of malware that is meant to deliver advertisements where they normally wouldn’t appear. These types of malware are often attached to ‘free’ software or applications, and are most often used as a way to generate revenue.

Bot

These programs are created to automatically a specific operation automatically, such as collecting information. Hackers can install bots onto a network or personal device for DDoS attacks, use them as a form of adware, hide them in sites to collect data, or even distribute other types of malware when downloaded.

Spyware

This kind of program is able to track anything a user does on their device, including anything they enter into their computer. This can include things such a passwords, personal information, or even credit card numbers. In addition, many spyware programs have other uses, such as the ability to modify security setting or interrupting internet connections.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that will lock a user out of their device or network until a transaction is completed. This is done either by encrypting the data stored on the device, or by shutting the system down entirely. Typically, these programs will ask a user to send hundreds of dollars in order to get their data back.

Rootkit

A rootkit is designed to remotely access a device or network without being detected by either the user or any security programs. These programs often activate during a time when the device is not being used, making it one of the hardest forms of malware to detect. Once inside, a rootkit can access files, change settings, steal information, or even hide other types of malware.

Trojan

One of the most well-known forms of malware, a Trojan malware disguise itself as a normal, safe file or program to try and trick users into downloading it. Once downloaded, the Trojan gives access to the affected user, allowing them to steal data, monitor activity, or install more malware.

Virus

Much like viruses in the human body, a computer virus is able to copy itself to other computers or systems, infecting them as they continue to spread. Typically, viruses attach to a program and will activate when the infected program is launched. However, they can also be spread by documents, script files, or any other file that is shared.

Worm

Worms are similar to a virus in that they can create copies of themselves to spread from device to device, infecting every one as it goes along. The major difference is that while a virus needs to be spread via a human or host program, a worm is able to self-replicate itself and spread on its own.

If you think your computer or network is infected with malware, your data can be at a severe risk. Contact Info Advantage today at (585) 254-8710 to speak to a technology professional about how you can fight back against malicious programs!

Security is one of the most important parts of running a business, especially today when organizations rely so heavily on their technology solutions. Some of the most dangerous threats lurk on a business’s network, watching and waiting for an opportunity to do some real damage. With the right preventative measures, your business can catch these threats in the act before they can accomplish their goals.

Defining Malware
Malware, or “malicious software,” is a blanket term for malicious code that’s designed to cause trouble for the machine that it infects. Malware can inject code into applications or execute viruses and trojans. One of the most common types of malware is called ransomware (perhaps you’ve heard of it), in which the files on a system are encrypted until a ransom is paid to the developer. Malware can have far-reaching and varied effects, so it’s best to keep such unpredictable threats off of your network in the first place.

Defining Rootkits
Just like malware, a rootkit is designed to install on a system. Unlike some types of malware, however, rootkits are designed to allow a hacker to gain control of the system while remaining undetected themselves. In particular, rootkits are dangerous due to their ability to subvert the software that’s supposed to find them, making it optimal to prevent rootkits from accessing your system in the first place.

Defining Trojans
In computing, a trojan is a malicious entity that allows a hacker access to a system through misleading the user. While the purpose can vary from data destruction to theft, trojans are often used to install backdoors and allow access to a system at a later date for the purpose of surveillance or espionage.

Preventative Security Measures
Just like how there are various types of threats, there are plenty of ways to keep your organization’s network safe from them. Here are just a few.

• Firewall: Firewalls act as a bouncer for your network, keeping threats from entering or leaving your infrastructure. They work best when combined with other preventative measures, like antivirus, content filters, and spam blockers.
• Antivirus: Antivirus solutions detect and eliminate threats that have made it past your firewall solution. Prompt detection is important, as viruses or malware that are left unchecked could cause untold troubles for your infrastructure.
• Spam blocker: Threats often arrive in your email inbox as spam, and the unknowing employee could accidentally click a malicious link or reveal important credentials. A spam blocker eliminates the majority of spam so that it never even hits your inbox.
• Content filter: A content filter is helpful for keeping your employees from accessing sites known to host malware, as well as inappropriate or time-wasting sites, like social media.

All of the above solutions can be found in what’s called a Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution, which is widely considered to be one of the most comprehensive and useful preventative measures to improve network security. To learn more about UTMs and other topics concerning network security, reach out to us at (585) 254-8710.