In today’s digital world there are almost 600,000 new pieces of malicious software call malware detected every day. Malware is increasingly being used by cybercriminals with one billion malware programs available, to be exploited and targeted to businesses like yours.
Malware is designed to steal your information and action various undesired behaviours. Malware can be distributed in many different ways, including phishing emails, malicious websiteURL addresses, file downloads, web browser extensions, and more. Once malware is installed it can exfiltrate your personal and sensitive data, encrypt, corruptor delete files. In some cases, it may even damage the hardware of your device and be extremely difficult to remove.
Malware comes in many different types, they all have the same malicious objective. Below are the most common types we see.
CommonTypes of Malware:
Ransomware:
Ransomware infects your computer network and other devices. Once infected, your files are encrypted and unusable until decrypted. Ransom payments are usually required to receive the decryption keys, and this is not guaranteed.
Virus:
A virus when executed will replicates itself, inserting malicious code into existing programs, thus changing their behaviour.
Worms:
Like a virus, worms replicate spreading to other computers over the network. They in turn destroy files and data as they go.
Keylogger:
Keylogger malware records all keystrokes made on your keyboard. It then sends all the collected information to the cybercriminals. This will include credit card numbers, passwords, and any other credentials you may have entered.
Trojan:
A trojan is a form of malware that often disguises as legitimate software. It can be used as a means to install ransomware or steal financial information.
Spyware:
Spyware is malicious software designed to infiltrate your device. It gathers and sends your information to a third party without your knowledge or consent. This software is used to profit from your stolen data.
Adware:
Adware is a type of software that is designed to place unwanted ads on your screen while you are browsing the web. These ads often look legitimate, when clicked on are hidden malware that installs onto your device without you knowing. Adware can appear on computers and mobile devices.
Exploits:
An exploit is a piece of code or program specifically designed to take advantage of a vulnerability on a device or within an installed application. An exploit is not malware itself, but the method used by to distribute malware for malicious intent by cybercriminals. Cybercriminals will write a piece of code to take advantage of a vulnerability. Malware is then injected into the effected device.
There are many ways malware can infect devices, research shows these types of attacks are ever increasing. There are things we can do to help mitigate these attacks and stop causing damage across your businesses.
How can Personos help you?
We work with our security vendors to deliver a Zero Trust endpoint security solution that protects businesses against malware attacks as well as new and emerging threats. Our solution comprises of five key components: Application Allowlisting, Application Ring-fencing, User Elevation Control, Storage Control and Network Access Control(NAC).
Allowlisting works by allowing what application and processes you need and blocking everything else. This denies all applications from running except those that are explicitly allowed. Any untrusted software, including malware, will be denied running by default. This puts you in control of what software application , scripting files, executable files, and libraries can run on your endpoints and servers.
This approach stops malicious software like malware and unauthorised applications from running. This greatly minimises cyber threats and other non-business applications from running on your network.
Personos can help you implement Allowlisting as part of the Endpoint Privilege andApplication Control management solution , please contact us for more information.