Awareness is the first and most important step in starting the process of protecting yourself from malware. The problems caused by viruses and malware do not have a specific date when they will occur, and for this reason, it is very important to know how these threats work , what damage they can cause to devices and machines and how to combat them intelligently.
Infections caused by malware can appear subtly, without the user even realizing that they are facing fraud or a threat. Knowing what cyber threats and how they behave helps you establish an efficient defense process that will help keep your devices always protected. Being prepared to ensure your company's digital security
Although many believe that malware refers to a specific type of cyber threat, it is important to remember that it is a broad term that is used to classify different types of malicious software. These programs are always used with the aim of causing some damage or loss , whether through damage to the system and devices, theft of information, financial fraud, among many others.
To help you establish the best strategy, we have put together this complete material on everything you need to know about this threat and, in this way, be able to discover the best way to defend yourself . Let's go?
What is malware?
Malware is a term derived from the English language that was constructed from the combination of two terms: malicious , which means malicious in English, and software , which refers to applications and programs . In this way, we can understand malware as any program or cyber resource created to cause some type of damage to devices or harm to users.
Based on this, we can define malware as a broad classification used to refer to other more specific and targeted threats, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware and many others.
The main objective of malware is to cause problems or carry out scams, which can be:
- Improper collection of personal data for financial fraud;
- Identity theft;
- Theft of credit card information , such as number, passwords and security codes;
- Manipulate and control devices remotely to promote other cyber threats , such as DDoS attacks;
- Turn devices into botnets (infected computers that can be controlled remotely) to mine bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies;
- And many others.
Types of Malware
Since malware is a generic term used to refer to a set of cyber threats, it is important that we understand the characteristics of each of them:
Virus
This type of file is often attached to fake or malicious emails, usually disguised as a trusted sender or legitimate company. When the user downloads the attachment or opens the suspicious link, the device ends up infected.
And this malicious software can cause numerous problems, depending solely on the cybercriminal's intention, such as interrupting the use of certain applications and important functions, causing slowdowns, preventing the device from functioning and many others.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a very popular and profitable cyber threat for cybercriminals. This type of malware, once installed on the user's device and allowing improper access to information, encrypts their files . As a result, the user can no longer access this data and becomes vulnerable to threats and criminal demands.
From there, the criminal charges a ransom amount so that access is reestablished and the information is not harmed or worse: leaked onto the internet.
Scareware
Through this scam, the cybercriminal makes his victim think that he is under threat or is facing a virus infection. To do this, it sends alarmist content so that the user can download software or an application that can supposedly help get rid of this problem.
This type of scam can come in different forms: whether through an email, spam, pop-up, banner on suspicious websites , and many others. Scareware is usually equipped with phrases such as: “Your computer is infected”, “Your device is in danger”, “Your computer has been identified as having X virus”, etc.
Worms
This threat is quite dangerous, especially for companies. This type of malware has the ability to spread from one device to another through security vulnerabilities.
There is no need for user interaction for it to work, and it can infect thousands of positives in a short period of time. As a result, it can contaminate all of a company's computers and cause countless losses to the business .
Spyware
This type of malware has gained a lot of visibility in recent years due to its widespread use by government and security to support investigations and monitor communications.
However, this application is also used for malicious purposes. Through software, cybercriminals can access devices and capture personal information , conversations in messaging applications, confidential data and much more.
For companies, this type of improper access can cause major problems. This information can be used for ransomware scams, passed on to competitors and even leaked onto the internet.
Understand how this type of malware works in the video below:
Trojan Horse – Trojan
This is one of the best-known threats on the Internet and was the most used in the digital environment for a long time. Disguised as safe and harmless applications, Trojan horses are installed on devices and can steal confidential information, harm the proper functioning of the machine, spy on activities or other types of threats.
In fact, the Trojan horse works as a means of disguising cyber threats , facilitating the contamination of devices and creating points of vulnerability.
Adware
Although it may not seem like a very big threat, adware attacks send numerous unwanted advertisements to users , with either flashing windows or pop-ups when a certain action is performed. These programs are installed without user consent and can cause great inconvenience.
In addition to harming the proper functioning of devices, adware can serve as a disguise for viruses and other malicious programs , which are installed when an ad is clicked.
How can Malware harm your company?
As we have seen, the software that is part of the malware set can be used in different ways, each with its own objective. Among the main problems they can cause, we can mention :
Theft of confidential information
This type of leak can harm companies in different sectors, especially those that deal with storing personal information about users, customers or suppliers. Cybercriminals collect this data and can demand ransom payments (ransomware) , leak the information from the internet or sell it to other criminals or companies for malicious purposes.
Personal data, confidential information, financial data (credit card numbers and passwords), customer profiles, browsing histories, access passwords, and much more can be diverted. Do you know the risks of data leaks for your company? Access this article and find out!
Harms device performance
Once the malware is installed, the device may malfunction, such as slowdowns, crashes, and unexpected behavior . In addition to being extremely uncomfortable, these problems can disrupt the work routine, cause delays and increase the incidence of errors.
Infected devices can have important functions compromised, and even suffer from the loss of valuable data and applications for the continuity of the activities carried out.
Loss of access
Some types of malware, such as ransomware, can prevent access to important information used by the company. In this sense, it is essential to have a backup tool that helps maintain a backup copy of all stored data.
Even though the threat represents a huge financial risk, the company will still be able to count on a copy of all data and be able to maintain continuity of services.
In addition to these problems, malware can also install additional hidden software on the computer , display various unwanted pop-ups, change device settings, redirect searches, cause a complete interruption of services, and many other problems.
Viruses and malware: are they the same thing?
Now that we understand what malware consists of, it is much easier to understand how it differs from viruses. As we saw previously, malware can refer to any type of dangerous software or application that causes harm to computers and other devices.
Based on this, we can understand the virus as a variation of malware, which can replicate and spread automatically. Using a simple analogy, we can conclude that every virus is malware, but not all malware is a virus.
This is because malware consists of just one category of cyber threat , and viruses represent a direct threat, just like Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. Better understand the difference between these threats through this article .
Tips to protect yourself
Malware can reach victims in different ways and cause countless losses depending on its type and objective. For this reason, it is important that the company establishes a security protocol that helps identify and combat these threats, for example:
Be careful with downloads
Many malicious applications arrive through disguised emails and fake web pages. For this reason, it is important to be very careful with any type of file that is downloaded to your device, whether received by email or on the website of a company considered trustworthy.
Many cybercriminals send this type of malicious software through supposed free materials, fake invoices, attachments in phishing emails , suspicious links, etc.
Everything installed on your device must be carefully monitored and analyzed by a security application .
Avoid unwanted emails
Phishing everyone from the most layman to the most experienced. Who has never received a fake email, even if it is from a company you believe to be legitimate? Or a supposed message that was sent from a known recipient?
This type of content is very dangerous and can cause major problems for users and companies, so it is essential to be aware of this threat. Do not open suspicious attachments or click on links without a prior security check. Unmissable promotions, free courses, prizes, unsolicited files... all of this can be very dangerous for you and your information.
Avoid certain content
There are pages on the internet that specialize in hiding cyber threats, such as pornography pages, websites with sensationalist content, and others. These sites are widely used to spread malware and access to this type of content must be carefully monitored.
In this sense, the company can count on a user access control program or system, which helps monitor and block certain types of content and keep its network more protected. Check out this guide to blocking access to malicious websites that we have available on our website.
Count on protection tools
Having protection tools such as firewall, antivirus and other resources is an extremely important factor for those who want to keep their devices always protected and safer.
Although it seems like an obvious tip, there are still many users and companies that end up underestimating the importance of this type of tool , and consequently, favor the creation of points of vulnerability that increase the likelihood of suffering from scams and cyber threats, such as malware.
In addition to choosing a tool that meets your company's demands, it is important that it is always kept up to date to prevent new threats from reaching your devices.
Create an Internet Usage Policy
It is also very important to establish an awareness protocol with the entire team involved in the company's processes . The more prepared employees are to understand how the main cyber threats work and the importance of ensuring safe behavior in the digital environment, the easier it will be to guarantee greater security for information.
To this end, managers can develop a policy for conscious use of the internet, which will help to compile all standards and rules of conduct aimed at digital security. Check out this guide we prepared to help you!
Lumiun Box : block company websites
Often, even with an Internet Usage Policy, some employees may behave unsafely in the virtual environment. To avoid this type of problem, you can use a tool to monitor and control internet usage, such as Lumiun Box .
With its help, managers can implement personalized access rules and can help maintain safe use of the company's internet and increase the security of the information that is stored.
Blocking certain resources and content can help reduce exposure to today's main cyber threats , preventing risky behavior and reducing the vulnerability of company devices and networks.
Take a , no-obligation demonstration request a free trial and see in practice how the solution can help you.
Until later!
