Understanding How You Get Malware will Help You Avoid It

Malware has plagued anyone using technology for a long time, and while security has certainly gone a long way toward protecting users from malware, so too have the threats grown more powerful and dangerous—especially for businesses. Let’s take a look at some common ways individuals might find themselves with a malware problem.

Spear Phishing

In a spear phishing attack, the criminal might disguise themself as a well-known figure, maybe someone within your organization or someone who your organization often interacts with. The goal is often to steal login credentials, and the attack can come in many forms, ranging from phone calls, email, messaging, social media, and even physical mail. A cybercriminal can then access your network through your account and infect it with malware, or worse.

Malvertising

You can get malware simply by using the Internet, and it’s all thanks to malvertising. Hackers can hide malicious code within advertisements used on legitimate websites, and thanks to malvertisement, you might find your computer slow or your browser hijacked.

Trojan Downloads

Trojans essentially create a backdoor to your systems, enabling the hacker to enter it at their leisure to perform all kinds of nefarious deeds—including the installation of malware or other malicious activities.

Infected Documents

If you accidentally download an infected file from the Internet, it will infect your computer with malware or other threats. Oftentimes individuals don’t suspect .txt, .pdf, or .docx files, but the fact of the matter is that any file can be infected with malware, as long as hackers are crafty enough to crack the defenses of developers.

Imposter Sites

Cybercriminals have even been known to build entire websites dedicated to making themselves appear legitimate or to impersonate a website often used by individuals, but with a slightly different domain name. These hackers can then harvest credentials or include links to malicious software on the site.

Fraudulent Mobile Apps

Smartphones are all over the place in a business setting, and with them come opportunities to download malicious applications. While Google Play and the Apple App Stores do a great job of keeping malicious applications off the market, you still need to be careful, especially when downloading apps from a third party.

If you are concerned about malware and your business, know that you’re not alone. We’ll do all we can to help you take the fight to hackers. To learn more, reach out to us at (703) 821-8200.