Learn how to respond to a data breach. Use this tool to help you prepare a data breach response plan. The word malware is a mash up of the words malicious and software. The term malware refers to any software that is intended to threaten or compromise information or systems. Hackers use malware to compromise networks or devices with the intent of stealing information or making a system inoperable.
Malware is most often used to illicitly obtain information or disrupt business operations. The first malware dates back to the s.
The first documented computer virus was discovered on a Mac in and was dubbed Elk Cloner. A strain of PC-based malware was discovered not long after in and was titled Brain. The evolution of malware seems to directly correspond with the development of technology. Much like superheroes who develop new powers only to be met with an equally-matched enemy, malware often develops alongside the technology businesses are adopting.
When email became popular, so did email-based malware, for example. While it would be difficult to chronicle all the malware instances over the past 40 years, we can give you a brief rundown.
Types of Malware: Categories of Compromise Malware is a general term that encompasses many different types of threatening software. This is by no means a complete list, but it offers a jumping-off point for identifying and evaluating more sophisticated threats. As you may have guessed, mobile malware is a type of attack that targets the software specific to mobile devices.
While attacks have traditionally targeted desktop computers, mobile malware is becoming more prevalent especially as mobile devices are utilized to conduct business affairs. Mobile malware often mimics the types we see on larger systems and may include categories such as trojans, ransomware and spyware.
Scammers try to trick people into clicking on links that will download viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software — often by bundling it with free downloads. Set your security software, internet browser, and operating system to update automatically. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information.
Search form Search. Share this page Facebook Twitter Linked-In. Malware is one of the biggest threats to the security of your computer, tablet, phone, and other devices. Using pirated content is not only illegal, it can also expose your device to malware. Sites that offer pirated software and media are also often used to distribute malware when the site is visited. Sometimes pirated software is bundled with malware and other unwanted software when downloaded, including intrusive browser plugins and adware.
Users do not openly discuss visits to these sites, so any untoward experience are more likely to stay unreported. To stay safe, download movies, music, and apps from official publisher websites or stores. Some types of malware spread by copying themselves to USB flash drives or other removable drives.
There are malicious individuals that intentionally prepare and distribute infected drives by leaving them in public places for unsuspecting individuals. Only use removable drives that you are familiar with or that come from a trusted source. Avoid opening unfamiliar files you find on suspect drives, including Office and PDF documents and executable files.
At the time they are launched, whether inadvertently by a user or automatically, most malware run under the same privileges as the active user. This means that by limiting account privileges, you can prevent malware from making consequential changes any devices. By default, Windows uses User Account Control UAC to provide automatic, granular control of privileges—it temporarily restricts privileges and prompts the active user every time an application attempts to make potentially consequential changes to the system.
Although UAC helps limit the privileges of admin users, users can override this restriction when prompted. As a result, it is quite easy for an admin user to inadvertently allow malware to run. To help ensure that everyday activities do not result in malware infection and other potentially catastrophic changes, it is recommended that you use a non-administrator account for regular use.
By using a non-administrator account, you can prevent installation of unauthorized apps and prevent inadvertent changes to system settings. Avoid browsing the web or checking email using an account with administrator privileges. Whenever necessary, log in as an administrator to install apps or make configuration changes that require admin privileges.
Read about creating user accounts and giving administrator privileges. Backup files. Follow the rule: make 3 copies , store in at least 2 locations , with at least 1 offline copy. Use OneDrive for reliable cloud-based copies that allow access to files from multiple devices and helps recover damaged or lost files, including files locked by ransomware.
Be wary when connecting to public hotspots, particularly those that do not require authentication. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication. Avoid downloading or running older apps. Some of these apps might have vulnerabilities.
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