First off, what is
Malware? by doing a quick google search you get the following definition: “it is a file or code, typically delivered over a network, that infects, explores, steals, or conducts virtually any behavior an attacker wants”.
As Someone who grew up in the 1990s , a really different time and things have changed. Gone are the days when we use to bring malware and viruses unknowingly home with us via traditional means using USBs and
CDs (
A CD known as a Compact disc is where we use would store information like music and data before the cloud). These were the tools that we used to access the outside world and share music and files with each other.
Today the risks we face bear a different face and you can get malware simply by opening the wrong email and following a fake link to a fake page that promises nothing aside from a malware attack. Sorry to be the one to tell you there is no iPhone 13 prize behind that link. In this Blog, I will be going through the different types of Malware and what that means for you as well as what DON I.T recommends to mitigate the risks faced in 2022.
Different Types of Malware
Before we get carried away reminiscing on the good old days of blue screens and fried motherboards.
We will elaborate on the different types of malware and how it affects you. Starting in no particular order the first type of malware we will go over is :
1. Ransomware
is a type of malware that disables the victim’s access to their data until a ransom is paid.
A real-world example of this would be the
Death Kitty ransomware that was used against Transnet where the South African port and rail company was targeted and a ransom note was left.
This attack caused the company to declare force majeure and switch to the manual processing of cargo.
2. Fileless Malware
Nothing needs to be installed and it makes changes to files that are native to the operating system such as Powershell or WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation).
These attacks are dangerous because they are stealthy, and the operating system recognizes the changed files as acceptable.
Therefore this attack is not caught by antivirus software.
A real-world example of this would be those phishing emails we receive as well as clicking on suspicious links with unsafe website downloads.
3. Spyware
Collects information about users’ activities outside their knowledge or consent. This can include passwords, pins, payment information, and free-form messages.
The use of spyware is not restricted to the desktop browser: it can also operate in a vital app or on a cellphone.
4. Trojan
A program downloaded that disguises itself as software or code installed on a computer that appears harmless but is malicious.
Trojans hide in apps, and software patches for games. It may be embedded in email attachments sent in phishing emails.
Emotet is a real-world example of a trojan that became famous in 2018.
As a result, The U.S Department of Homeland Security defined it as one of the most dangerous and destructive malware.
5. Rootkits
A Software that gives threat actors remote control of a victim’s computer with full access.
Furthermore, these spread through phishing and malicious downloads.
Rootkits can be used to conceal other malware such as key loggers.
What can you do?
The best defense is a good offense, so at DON IT we recommend the following course of action :
Install a free or paid Malware scanner which will periodically scan your computer for threats.
Free:
Malwarebytes
Installing the best antivirus software is the best way to safeguard against malware.
Malwarebytes malware removal software makes it easy to remove viruses, trojans, and ransomware.
The best things in the world are free but not when it comes to capable antivirus software that is able to not only protect your data but also able to detect threats that are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape.
Acronis Cyber protect is a market-leading backup recovery software that eliminates gaps in your defenses with integrated backup and anti-ransomware technologies. Be comfortable knowing that you are protected by safeguarding every bit of data against the new and evolving cyber threats with advanced MI-based protection against malware.
With Integrated protection management you can streamline endpoint protection with integrated and automated URL filtering, vulnerability assessments, and patch management. If this is something you would be interested in for you or your business feel free to
contact us so we may assist you with a tailored solution.
