BotNet News

Malware is unwanted software that sneaks onto a computer or other device and steals information, causing a range of damaging effects. Using malicious code, attackers can spy on a user’s activities or encrypt their data with ransomware. This extortionate cyber crime is usually motivated by profit, but it may also be carried out for more sinister reasons such as industrial espionage or even nation-state attacks against other governments.

Malicious software first grew popular in the 1990s when hackers used macros in Microsoft Word to create viruses that spread across the Windows ecosystem of personal computers. From there, other malware types emerged. For example, phishing emails disguised as real messages from friends or colleagues can prompt users to click harmful links and attachments. Similarly, smishing texts (similar to phishing but targeted at mobile phones) can trick distracted employees into sharing passwords.

As malware threats become increasingly sophisticated, companies must adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. This includes Zero-Trust Network Access, Secure SD-WAN and advanced Endpoint Detection and Response to prevent malware intrusions. Solutions like Fortinet’s sandboxing technology, FortiSandbox, can isolate a piece of malware in a controlled environment so that IT teams can analyze its behavior and neutralize it before it enters other systems or devices on the network.

Regular updates of operating systems, applications and software on all your devices are a key prevention measure. Ensure you apply these promptly to avoid security holes exploited by cyber threats, such as the recent WannaCry ransomware attack that took advantage of unpatched Windows systems worldwide. Education on the value of multi-factor authentication and the ability to scrutinize email or text message sources can also help reduce malware risks.