What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Business?
Malware refers to harmful software that takes malicious action on the computer system, including stealing data, infecting devices and disrupting work. Often, malware is concealed in software like PDF converters, unzip programs or even caller ID functionality on smartphones. Once it enters a computer, it can make unauthorized changes to the device or its network, like monitoring user behavior, displaying pop-up ads, redirecting search engine results, adding icons to a desktop and more. This malicious activity is typically intended for a profit, such as by stealing credit card numbers or encrypting valuable business data to demand ransom payments.
The most familiar examples of malware are computer viruses, worms, spyware, trojan horses and adware. But cyber threats also hide in a host of other ways that can cause different types of damage. For example, rootkits infiltrate a computer or device and can evade detection for a long time by using techniques that hide file activity. Attackers also use botnets to control a network of infected computers (often without a user’s knowledge) to perform tasks such as sending spam or conducting denial of service attacks.
The motives for using malware vary but all attackers seek to benefit financially or operationally at the victim’s expense. Financial losses from malware can include ransom payments, recovery costs and lost revenue due to device or system shutdowns. Operational disruptions can be costly, too, especially when they lead to the loss of vital customer data or intellectual property.