The internet is a vast and complex place that can be dangerous for those who are not well informed. Malware is an ever-present risk, and businesses need to protect themselves from it. There are many types of malware out there – some more harmful than others – so it’s important to protect your business with the right malware protection. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of malware protection you should have and give you an in-depth look at the types of malware that could be attacking your digital assets.
What is Malware?
Malware is a general term for any software that is designed to cause harm. In the most basic terms it is a piece of code that tries to hide and perform actions to gain access to important data or cause a disruption in operations. This can include viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more. Malicious actors use malware to steal data, lock users out of their devices or systems, extort money from victims, and much more. When malware infects your business it can threaten your security and in turn, threaten the integrity of your important documents and information. Because of this it is important to understand how malware works and have malware protection in place to ensure you and your company are safe from these attacks.
How does Malware Work?
Malware works by utilizing several different methods with the goal being to hide its actions from the computer’s operator. The most common way that malware software operates is by hiding malicious code from malware protection software in order to avoid detection, and the way that this happens is through a process called obfuscation.
Obfuscation is a technique used to hide or change the appearance of code in order to make it harder to understand and detect. It often involves renaming this malicious software with the same name as your malware protection. The basics of how it works are
- Malware is contracted to the end-users machine typically via phishing
- It will then install itself as a legitimate piece of software
- The underlying code will then open up a route to the machines local firewall
- Thus allowing all traffic through a smilier port of the corrupt file in order to hide it from the malware protection software
Malware will also often delete its tracks by removing files that could link it back to the infected device or system. In some cases, malware can even take control of another computer on the network and use it for nefarious purposes. All of this takes place within seconds after the malicious software is opened.
Types of Malware
In order to have a better understanding of your malware protection needs it is important for you to understand specific types of malware. There are three different types of malware that pose the greatest risk to your assets and your business.
- Viruses: A virus is a piece of software that typically attaches itself to another program or file by altering its structure, copying it, or inserting additional code into it. It can then spread itself across other files on the computer through this process as well as through email, removable media, and more.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that takes control of your device or system and locks you out until you pay a ransom. This can include locking your computer screen, encrypting all of your files so that you can’t access them, or even taking over your webcam and watching you until you pay up.
- Trojans: Trojans are a type of malware that masquerades as legitimate software but actually contains hidden malicious code. Once installed, this code can allow hackers access to your system or network and steal data or install other types of malware.
The Infection Process
Most malware tends to operate in a cycle with hackers changing their approach in order to accommodate the specific goal of the malicious software. The cycle typically follows this order,
- Infection: Regardless of how malware needs a way to infiltrate your system or network. And there are a few different ways that this can be accomplished including API connections, Phishing, and USB devices.
- Payload Execution: The thing that makes malware protection so difficult is malware’s ability to deliver its intended attack without detection or prevention successfully.
- Exfiltrate: The last step of the cycle revolves around malicious software ending to be able to finish the intended task by either sending out the data or giving the actor a way to monetize the situation.
While the techniques and tactics with each different type of malware will vary, the main points of the cycle remain the same.
What is Malware Protection?
While malware protection consists of a number of different types and techniques the most important thing to remember is that it is a software developed with one specific purpose in mind, To prevent malicious actors from being able to access or take control over your assets.
How does Malware Protection Work?
Malware protection works by stopping malware from accessing your system or network. While there are a number of different techniques and tools malware protection uses, the most common is
- Virus scanners: These work by scanning all files on the device looking for malware and then blocking it before it can get to where you want access to. Virus Scanners also work by identifying malware that is already on the system and removing it.
- Firewalls: A firewall is a software or hardware device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. By using rules, firewalls can be configured to allow certain types of traffic while blocking all other types including malware.
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems: Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems work by using a wide range of malware protection techniques to monitor and stop malware from being able to access your system or network.
- Network Access Controls: Network Access Controls are software-based systems that prevent unwanted traffic from entering or leaving a device or a network. This can include malware as well.
Let Businets Help with Your Malware Protection
In order to protect your business and its assets, it is important to have malware protection in place. Malware can cause a lot of harm including data theft, ransomware, and more. At Businets, we offer malware protection that uses a variety of different techniques and tools to stop malware from being able to access your system or network. Contact us today to learn more about our malware protection services and how we can help keep your business safe.