Malware and Malware Protection
Often disguised as legitimate programs, applications or files, Malware (short for malicious software) seeks to damage, alter, steal or disrupt computers, computer systems, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Malware typically exploits a device’s vulnerabilities, gaining entry through phishing email attachments, infected file downloads, system or software flaws, or by using infected websites to access the device and/or network.
Once malware gains a foothold on your system, attackers can capitalise on the attack for various motives such as making money, sabotaging your ability to get work done, stealing account credentials and financial information, establishing remote access and control of compromised systems and/or devices, mining cryptocurrency or participating in botnets, or just causing you grief and annoyance. Ransomware is a recent example of the many ways cybercriminals extort payments from victims to return stolen or encrypted data.
A key part of your security strategy is to segment your networks and the devices within them. This can help keep a single device from spreading an infection across your entire network and potentially damaging more critical systems.
Once a device has been infected with malware, you need to act fast. If you notice a sudden loss of disk space, an increase in Internet activity or other suspicious behavior, it’s likely time to update your antivirus protection and run a scan to find and remove any malicious programs. If you can’t immediately remove malware, you’ll need to isolate the device and prevent it from affecting other systems connected to the same network.