‘Virus’ is the most universal term for malware or odd computer issues. They are often blamed for even the most mundane computer problems; however, they are not always to blame. Many of the side effects they cause are very similar to other technical problems. Computer viruses get their namesake from viral infections due to similarities in life-cycle and side effects. Having an actual virus is very dangerous to a computer's health and the network it is on.
Viruses are one of the more dangerous forms of malware, both due to how quickly they can spread and how much damage they can cause. As the years have gone on, viruses have become better at hiding themselves. antiviruses have had to step up their game as a result.
Worms are the most common type of malware and have been around for most of the internet’s history. Worms have changed significantly since it first came about in 1988. The main defining feature of this malicious software is that they can replicate and spread without human interaction aside from opening an infected file. We will go over what makes a worm unique, how they spread, and what have been some of worst attacks.
Computer worms have been around almost as long as the internet and will continue to be a threat as the internet continues. It is imperative to keep computers up to date and to have a reliable antivirus installed.
Ever since the first days of the world-wide-web, a form of blackmail called 'Ransomware' has plagued businesses and individuals alike. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish data and/or block your access to the files until a payment is made. Usually you have a deadline of only a few days to pay the hacker and sometimes you get two deadlines for different reasons. Ransomware is the modern way of extortion and will disable you from using systems and devices until you pay up. Criminals (especially cybercriminals) are smart, quick, and adaptive. They will always be searching for ways to exploit weak networks and profit off an organization’s demise. Sometimes, paying the person does not even solve all your problems. There is no reason they cannot continue extorting you for more money.
Here is a SMB Ransomware Epidemic that covers the evolution of ransomware from Q2-2016 to Q2-2017.
NOW THE QUESTION IS HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST MALICIOUS SOFTWARE?
The best place to start is to have a reliable antivirus. (Our personal recommendation is Sophos.) Make sure your computer is up to date, as this is the simplest tactic to staying safe. Use strong passwords and do not use the same password for multiple accounts. While online, avoid clicking ads and do not click untrustworthy links. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to computer safety, but these are some of the more potent and effective to get into the habit of. Following these guidelines will substantially decrease the risk of getting infected, which in turn increases a user’s piece of mind, helping you sleep at night. And isn’t that the end goal anyway?
If you would like more peace of mind, apply for a free network risk assessment on you company!
