The world of technology can be scary sometimes, but tech42 has you covered. There are many threats to watch out for online, with one of the biggest being malware. Malware is software that is created to harm an unsuspecting computer in some way. There are different types of malware a user may encounter that pose different threats, target different audiences and access different information.
Adware
Adware is used to display unwanted advertisements on your computer, sometimes in the form of pop-up ads, that track your browsing activity. This type of malware is especially dangerous to casual internet users because these ads are usually very convincing. Typically, adware is used to target everyday online users. To avoid adware, use an ad blocker from a reputable source and don’t download anything from suspicious sites.
Spyware
Spyware is exactly what it sounds like. This type of malware is used to sneak through your files, passwords, and other private data. Spyware is most often a type of malware that is installed on a computer/phone without the user’s knowledge. It invades the device, steals sensitive information and internet usage data, and relays it to advertisers, data firms, or external users. Never download anything from suspicious sites and avoid clicking links in spam emails to avoid spyware.
Ransomware
Ransomware is designed to encrypt and lock down your computer with various other types of malware. This malware is installed on your computer in order to force you to pay a fee to have it removed. However, if you have a capable IT team, they can undo the encryption and retrieve your information. To avoid ransomware attacks from the start, avoid questionable links and avoid downloading suspicious email attachments, especially from unknown senders.
Phishing
One of the most common methods used to steal information from businesses is phishing. This method isn’t what most people think of when they imagine “hacking”. Phishing is a type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a person into disclosing sensitive information to the attacker or to deploy malware onto the victim’s computer. Avoid clicking suspicious links, make sure you recognize who emails are from and check email addresses for credibility before downloading any attachments.
Monitored and Managed EDR Protection
To better protect yourself against phishing and other malware attacks, make sure to keep all systems updated. It’s also important to have a monitored and managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) service.
Protecting yourself and your business from malware may sound overwhelming (and a little scary), but you don’t have to do it alone. Tech42’s team of IT professionals can help keep you and your business secure and protected against malware and other security threats. Don’t be afraid to reach out, contact us today to see how we can help!
