6 tips to protect your devices from malware

Admin

Surely, you have heard the term malware before, but you do not understand the breadth of the word. Certainly, there is something we must tell you: malware goes beyond being something harmful that affects the operation of your computers. Fortunately, here we will tell you everything you need to know about malware: its types, the symptoms that your device will show and some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

What is malware?

The fight against the threat of malware has been going on since computing was born. In this sense, we can define this term as any type of malicious software that seeks to infiltrate your devices without your consent.

There are many types of malware and each has a different way of achieving its goals. However, among all malware variants there are two defining features: they actively work against the interests of the attacked party and they are surreptitious.

Regardless of its type, all malware follows the same pattern: the user unintentionally downloads or installs the malicious software that infects the device. Most infections occur when you unknowingly perform some action that initiates the malware download.

 

You may also be interested in: How to protect yourself from a Man In The Middle cyberattack?

 

Most common types of malware

As we told you, no matter what type of malware you encounter, the operation is the same: you unintentionally download or install the malware on your device.

Below we will tell you about the most common types of malware:

malware

Ransomware

This is a version of the malware that has the ransom note tone of a kidnapper. It usually works by denying or blocking access to your devices and files until you finally pay the ransom to get them back, putting anyone with sensitive information on their devices at risk.

Spyware

This type of threat collects information from your entire device or network and then sends it to the attacker. 

They are often used by hackers to monitor a person’s Internet activity and collect personal data, login credentials, credit card numbers, financial information and more.

But for what purpose? Well, mainly to commit fraud or identity theft.

Worms

Worms are designed to proliferate, that is their vital goal. They infect your computer and then replicate to your other devices, remaining active simultaneously on all the machines they infect.

Some worms behave like messengers that install additional malware and are designed to spread without intentionally causing harm on host machines. However, continue to be vigilant about your networks.

Adware

Adware’s job is to generate revenue for the one who creates it by subjecting the victim to a lot of unwanted advertising. Some of the most common types are free games and browser toolbars.

Also, they can collect your personal data and then use it to customize the ads they show you. Although most adware is installed legally, it is no less annoying or dangerous than other types of malware.

Trojans

Inspired by the Athenian warriors who hid inside a giant wooden horse to destroy Troy, Trojans in appearance look like legitimate software that infiltrates your device.

However, once installed, it becomes active and is sometimes capable of downloading additional malware.

Botnets

Simply put, the botnet turns your computer into a zombie. That’s right, this computer code is capable of developing or executing malware, because the attackers infect a group of computers with malware that they can command remotely.

As a result, the computers form a network that gives the controller access to substantial processing power. This can be used to coordinate attacks, send spam, steal information and create fake advertisements on your computer.

4 signs that your device may be infected with malware

Here are some of the universal symptoms that may be a sign that your device is infected with malware:

malware

Remember, in most cases it is possible to remove the malware from your device and return it to its normal state.

 

You may also be interested in: Tips for preventing computer attacks

 

6 tips to avoid malware infections on your devices

Attackers will always look for ways to find flaws in the cybersecurity of your computers to infect them. Follow our 6 tips and stay protected to keep threats against your data and accounts at bay:

malware

1. Keep your software up to date

The vulnerabilities originate from flaws in popular software such as web browsers, Java, Microsoft Office, Adobe Flash Player, etc., to infect devices.

It is normal for software to update any irregularities or vulnerabilities so that they are no longer available in the next version and security is optimal. To do this, make sure you have notifications for new features in your software active.

2. Be careful with links and attachments. 

Email, as well as other messaging tools, are some of the most frequent ways to infect devices. This is because attachments or links are capable of silently opening malware or downloading it directly to your phone or computer.

What do we recommend? Use an email service that provides protection against any email with malicious or suspicious attachments, as well as abusive links and senders.

3. Reduce attack targets as much as possible

Check how many systems, applications and ports are exposed to the Internet. Make a count of them and reduce the amount as much as you can.

4. Do not connect removable devices that you do not know.

Some types of malware are often spread via USB flash drives or other removable drives. There are malicious individuals who prepare and distribute malware-infected drives to be left in public places for unsuspecting victims to fall into.

We recommend that you only connect removable drives to your devices that you are familiar with or trust. In any case, you should ideally have an anti-malware program installed on your computer.

5. Manage patches regularly

Those who maintain the software apply patches to patch vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity system as soon as they are detected to prevent malware infections.

To achieve effective security patch management, it is necessary that all your company’s systems are patched in a timely manner. Therefore, check regularly for updates and apply them to protect yourself from threats.

6. Control access

Having administrative control should be limited to the owner of the machine and to specific individuals in the company, as well as to trusted applications that need it. 

That way, if any malware threat attacks the computer, it will have difficulty reaching and affecting the core functions of the system. Therefore, it is important that you check the administrative controls of your systems on a regular basis.

 

You may also be interested in: How to achieve data protection in your company?

 

Don’t take the protection of your company’s data lightly and start implementing a powerful security strategy now. Want to know more about technology, automation, HR trends and more? Subscribe to our blog at Gestión Direct and stay up to date.

Seguramente, ya has escuchado antes el término malware, pero no comprendes la amplitud de la palabra. Ciertamente, hay algo que debemos decirte: el malware va más allá de ser algo perjudicial que afecta el funcionamiento de tus equipos. Por fortuna, aquí te contaremos todo lo que necesitas saber del malware: sus tipos, los síntomas que presentará tu dispositivo y algunos consejos para evitar ser víctima.

Stay informed about

technological innovations

to move towards the digitization of your business, with Gestion Direct.

What did you think of this content?

guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
;

Saved entries