Malware 101

According to Kapersky Labs, more than 33 percent of malware attacks cost businesses their hard-earned money. That amounts to billions of dollars in lost business revenue, downtime and repair costs that are attributed to malware infections every year.

What is Malware?
Malware exists in several forms; including viruses, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits,

keyloggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious browser helper objects, and rogue security software that either presents itself your antivirus control, or disables your antivirus software. Malware has three potential objectives: destruction of data, data collection and transmission, or nuisance and interruption.

Recently, the CryptoLocker Virus, a type of ransomware, has been in the news. This virus installs itself on your computer and encrypts your files so you can’t access them without the proper key. Then, a payment screen pops up, asking you to pay a ransom of $300 for the ‘key’ to decrypt your files! For more information about the CryptoLocker Virus, go to http://gobiztech.blogspot.com/2013/11/cryptolocker-virus-holds-your-important.html.


How to Protect Yourself…

8 Malware Prevention Best Practices

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of backing up your important data.

2.Install a firewall, if you don’t already use one, as the first line of defense against inbound attacks.

3. Make sure you are using good antivirus software that is constantly updated.

4. Keep your operating system (e.g. Windows) updated with current security updates and patches. Did you know XP is going “End of Life”?

5. Use a more secure web browser (Windows Explorer is the most exploited).

6. Use caution when downloading files from the internet- especially browser add-ons and screensavers.

7. Don’t open email attachments or click links unless you know what they are.

8. Never send personal information through an email, even if it looks like it is from a trusted source. You risk identifying yourself as a target.