What is malware?

Malware threats may also intend to wreak havoc on your business, causing disruptions, delays, and lost brand image. For example, a disgruntled employee might download malicious programs to destroy or damage your infrastructure after being laid off.

Malware isn’t isolated to your computers. In fact, mobile malware is on the rise, with cybercriminals targeting personal devices with weak endpoint security. Malware can be downloaded through apps, opening compromised emails, or searching on infected websites.

Types of Malware Infections

There are a few different types of malware software to be aware of. Knowing the methods hackers can use to infect your machines will help you prevent and detect computer viruses. Here are seven types of malware infections:

Virus

Viruses are one of the most popular subgroups of malware. A virus is a malware infection that attaches to documents or files. Once activated, the virus spreads onto your computer. Active viruses can result in lost data and operational issues.

Worms

Worms replicate and spread to other devices in a network once activated. Unlike viruses, worms do not need a host program to access information on other devices. Once downloaded through a file or network, a worm rapidly multiplies, disrupting your devices and allowing sensitive information to be accessible.

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malicious software that runs undetected on your computer. Instead of disrupting your operations, spyware keeps a low profile, harvesting sensitive information and sending it back to a remote user. One type of spyware software is called a keylogger, which records keystrokes to uncover passwords and other confidential information.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware infection that encrypts information once access is granted, preventing use. For example, locking out a hospital’s patient record system. The goal of ransomware is to hold the information hostage until the company pays a ransom. Ransomware is commonly a part of phishing schemes, being attached to emails through a disguised link.

Trojan Virus

A trojan virus disguises itself as help software. Once downloaded, the virus gains access to your confidential data, having the ability to modify, block, or delete items. One side effect of trojan viruses is slowed down operations. If you notice longer delays than normal, you might have a trojan virus.

Adware

Adware is a type of malware that collects data on computer usage to tailor advertisements. Even though adware doesn’t look to exploit your sensitive information, the backend code can redirect you to unsafe sights, such as fake online retailers. In addition, infected computers report slow operational performance.

Fileless Malware

Fileless malware does not infect a computer based on a certain document or download. Instead, fileless malware operates from your computer’s memory, which makes it more difficult to detect. Once the computer is rebooted, malware disappears, adding to the difficulty of protecting against this threat. Fileless malware can have varying intents, like business disruptions or monetary gain.

How Malware Happens

There are a number of methods cybercriminals use to infect your network with malware. Let’s cover some of the common avenues.

Removable Drives

USB drives and external hard drives can contain malware that infects your computer once plugged in. For example, if you notice a USB drive lying on the ground, you might get curious and put it into your computer. The USB drive contains malware and your computer is now infected.

Infected Websites

Websites can contain ads and links that have underlying malware. For example, a website that asks you to download a document to gain access to the next screen can contain malware. Once downloaded, your device runs the malware and your sensitive information is at risk.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks use emails that look legitimate to entice you to click a link or download a document. In many cases, cybercriminals use email addresses and names similar to those in your organization, disguising the hack attempt. After you click on the link or open the document, your computer is compromised.

Third-Party Software

In some cases, malware can be downloaded onto the network of a third-party provider. Through this provider, the hacker accesses the sensitive information of your business.

Obfuscation Techniques

Obfuscation techniques are designed to bypass security controls and malware detection software, such as using web proxies to hide certain traffic. A more sophisticated threat has also emerged in recent years known as polymorphic malware. This type of malware constantly changes the underlying code to avoid detection by malware programs.

How to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Malware Attacks

The increase in malware trends makes this type of cyberthreat applicable to all businesses. Here are the different defenses and offenses your business needs in place to reduce your risk of malware attacks.

Malware Prevention

Malware prevention involves stopping malware risks before they infect your devices. Common strategies used in malware prevention include employee training on common malware scams, endpoint security on all devices, and blockers on certain downloads and documents. There are also malware programs that automatically prevent malware.

Regularly checking your devices and placing restrictions on certain websites known for malware are great starting points when protecting against malware. In addition, keep your operating system and applications up to date with the latest releases and never click on any unauthorized pop-ups.

Malware Detection

Malware removal and detection have come a long way in recent years, especially as malware attacks have become more sophisticated. Instead of relying solely on basic malware protection software, companies are implementing continuous monitoring programs. For example, a company might choose to invest in an expense management program that monitors fraud and payment threats.

Some of the recent malware software advancements include behavior-based malware, which creates context around every process execution path as they occur. Similarly, machine learning malware programs identify patterns that match malware characteristics to detect unauthorized software and users within your network. Moreover, if you notice your computer performance is slow, your browsers constantly redirect you to other sites, or you receive an infection warning, you might have malware on your device.

Malware Response

When you find an infected machine, you need to act quickly to avoid the malware from spreading. First, delete the program or file that contains the malware. Then, disconnect your device from the internet and scan using one of your detection programs. If you are still finding malware on your device, you may need to bring in the help of your IT team.

The quicker you can respond to malware, the more contained your risks will be. With the right protocols, you should be alerted in real time when a malware virus is detected, allowing you to minimize the information harvested and the data accessed. Having a malware response plan in place is beneficial to streamline the entire process.

Summary

• Malware is malicious software that intends to access your business’s sensitive information or disrupt operations.
• Malware can take on many different forms, such as a virus, a worm, a trojan horse, ransomware, spyware, adware, and fileless malware.
• Cybercriminals may use removable drives, infected websites, phishing attacks, third-party software, and obfuscation techniques to facilitate malware attacks.
• Having the proper controls in place to prevent, detect, and respond to malware attacks is important to avoid business disruptions and lost data.