Malicious software, more commonly referred to as malware, are programs designed to infiltrate and hide within your computer system and cause harm or steal data. They are usually downloaded without you even realizing it, and once they are in, they replicate and spread, causing all sorts of problems! Knowing about different types of malware is a good starting point for helping you keep your devices safe by enabling you to recognize warning signs.
Common Malware Threats
Macro Viruses
Macro viruses are, as the name implies, viruses programmed into macros for popular applications like Microsoft Excel and Word, hiding in documents and executing harmful code when you open files. Be cautious when opening email attachments or files from unknown sources and disable macros in your applications unless you trust the source. Additionally, regularly update your software to patch vulnerabilities that macro viruses might exploit.
Trojans
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software to trick you into installing them, thereby granting cybercriminals access to your system. Trojans are best avoided by only downloading software from trusted sources, such as verified vendors on official distrabution platforms. It's also always a good idea to use a reliable antivirus program to scan any new software you install, and always keep your security software updated.
System or Boot-Record Infectors
These types of malware attach themselves to critical parts of your storage devices and activate when you boot up your system using a compromised disk. The best protection against these types of malware is to avoid using unknown or untrusted external storage devices. Additionally, regularly scan your drives with antivirus software and ensure your system's boot settings are secure for additional protection.
Polymorphic Viruses
Polymorphic viruses are malware that constantly change their code to make themselves much more difficult to detect and remove. These viruses require advanced antivirus solutions that can detect and adapt to the changes. As with any of these threats, regularly update your antivirus software and run frequent scans to safeguard your devices.
Stealth Viruses
Stealth viruses hide by pretending to be part of your system's normal functions and avoid detection by manipulating system responses. Since stealth viruses are by nature harder to detect, it is important to closely monitor your devices for unusual system behavior that might indicate a stealth virus. If something seems out of the ordinary, it's worth a closer look and scan for safe measure.
File Infectors
File infectors target executable files, such as those with .exe extensions, and activate when you run an infected file. The best way to avoid this type of malware is to simply avoid downloading or running files from untrusted sources and use an antivirus program to scan all new files before opening them.
Advanced Malware Threats
Logic Bombs
Logic bombs are malicious code that remains hidden until certain conditions are met, and then unleashes a destructive payload that wreaks havoc on devices. They can be difficult to defend against since they wait silently until they suddenly activate, so maintaining regular backups of important data is necessary to recover from unexpected attacks. Additionally, monitoring tools can be used for your network to help detect unusual system behavior and potentially catch logic bombs before they activate.
Worms
Worms are self-contained and self-replicating malware that can spread themselves across networks and systems, consuming bandwidth and carrying harmful code. Stopping the advance of worms requires robust network security settings, firewalls to block unauthorized access, and, as always, keeping your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches!
Droppers
Droppers are dangerous because they avoid antivirus software since they aren't themselves traditional malware but instead work to help malware get past your security. Since traditional antivirus scanning misses these threats, you need to practice other cybersecurity practices, such as being cautious about what you download and using comprehensive security solutions like heuristic scanning to detect suspicious behaviors typical of droppers.
Ransomware
Ransomware, probably the most infamous type of malware these days, locks your data or even device, rendering it unusable, and then it demands you pay the hackers a ransom to unlock it. Email attachments or malicious downloads are some of the most common methods used to spread ransomware. One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from ransomware is to make regular backups of your data to secure locations; that way, even if your data is compromised, you have a copy of it to recover from. And, of course, you should always follow cybersecurity best practices when downloading anything and regularly scan you devices for threats.
It's Easy To Get Overwhelmed: That's Why We're Here!
As you can see, malware comes in many forms, each with its own unique tricks to infiltrate your systems. If you're feeling overwhelmed, perhaps you need to partner with an IT provider like Lighthouse IT Solutions, who can help you manage these threats!