Malware and Ransomware – What is Malware and How Does it Affect Your Business?
Just like flu season, there is a time of year when malware infections tend to peak. But unlike the chills and body aches we associate with the flu, malware is more than just a nuisance; it can steal sensitive information and compromise business operations.
Malware, short for malicious software, is any program or code that aims to damage or exploit a computer, system, or network. It can do a variety of things, from stealing personal data to disrupting service and even locking up a device until a ransom is paid.
Cybercriminals can deploy malware through email, web sites, unsecured mobile devices, and even software and app downloads. The information stolen may include financial details, medical records, personal emails, and passwords.
The first experimental computer viruses began to appear in the 1970s, and worms — self-replicating malware that can spread from one PC to another — became more widespread as internet connectivity grew. The Melissa virus of 1999 and the ILOVEYOU worm of early 2000 were among the first socially-engineered attacks via email, with each causing damages estimated at more than $80 million.
More recent threats include cryptojacking, which involves attackers using people’s computers to mine cryptocurrency; and ransomware, which locks a device until a ransom is met. Many of these are delivered by email and are particularly dangerous for businesses, since they can be hidden in a legitimate looking file. Some malware also uses evasion and obfuscation techniques that can fool users, security administrators, and antimalware tools.