Illustration of a cyber criminal's silhouette masked behind a stream of 1s and 0s before Austin TX cybersecurity services

Some of the Most Common Breeds of Malware Tips From Your cybersecurity company in Austin

As a local IT consulting and computer repair service provider, we’ve seen and solved just about every type of technical issue one could come across. One of the fastest growing threats in recent time has been the rise of various types of malware.

Unfortunately, new strands of malware are discovered on a daily basis. Crafty cybercriminals code these up and use them to wreak havoc and steal money, sensitive data, etc. Some of these criminals even sell these malware programs to others on underground forums, so even those who aren’t that skilled can get in on the malware/exploit game.

Mobile Attacks

As more and more smartphones saturate the market each year, it was only a matter of time before they became targets for hackers. In almost record-time, it jumped from an almost non-issue to a massive, ever-increasing threat. Mobile viruses and malware can be difficult to remove because of how the operating systems that run the phone work.

Rootkits

Rootkits are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and often slip by conventional antivirus software. They can embed themselves inside core operating system files and launch as your operating system loads up, making them a nuisance to remove. Some variants are so persistent that many techs often opt to wipe the drive and start fresh.

Spyware Variants

Spyware is utilized on a daily basis by those who wish to commit the serious crime of identity theft. This breed of crimeware is designed to operate silently in the background and collect personal information by logging keystrokes and usernames & passwords for banking sites, social media sites, and more. Some spyware also accepts dynamic payloads, meaning that once the machine is infected, it can add more viruses and malware at any time (a feature shared with many rootkits).

Ransomware

Ransomware has rapidly become a favorite tool among cybercriminals because it offers a quick monetary payout. When a machine is infected, the target victim’s documents and files are encrypted, and they’re served up a nasty message explaining that all of their important documents have been encrypted so they can’t be accessed. The message then goes on to explain that the only way to regain access to the files is to pay up between $300-500 in Bitcoins to an anonymous address, and they’ll “kindly” unlock the files. While the files can sometimes be recovered by skilled technicians, it’s often practically impossible to beat, so authorities have advised that sometimes paying the ransom is the best way to recover and move on. Both Windows and Mac (OSX) machines are susceptible to this nasty malware, and Android variants have been discovered lately as well.

Adware

Adware is mostly annoying, but it can be dangerous as well. If you’re using your computer and keep getting hammered with annoying pop-ups and notifications, you’re likely the victim of Adware–software designed to try and sell you garbage products and collect your personal information so they can resell it to others.

Prevention Tips

It’s almost scary to think about all of the nasty code that’s floating around the cyberworld. Fortunately there are steps you can take to keep the chances of infection as low as possible. We’ve outlined them below:

  • Ensure You Have Reputable Antivirus Software Installed & Keep it Updated – There are several solid free antivirus programs available for download, though we recommend purchasing a paid one such as Bitdefender to safeguard you from many of these threats. Also be sure it’s updating frequently. If you use a smartphone, be sure to install a security suite on it as well and run it regularly.
  • Always Update Your Operating System – OS updates can be annoying, but these releases are crucial to ensure that the software that powers your machine is as locked-down as possible. Many hackers gain access to computers simply because there are outdated operating system files with known vulnerabilities that have not yet been patched.
  • Delete Suspicious Emails – If you’re unsure about whether or not an email is legitimate, contact the sender to verify they sent it before downloading any attachments. Sometime hackers are able to gain access to email accounts and can send emails while pretending to send legitimate emails through their victim’s account.
  • Backup Your Computer Regularly – We recommend running an automated backup tool that frequently backs up your computer so that in case you suffer from file loss (due to ransomware, malicious viruses, etc.) or hardware failure, you’ll be able to easily get back up & running with minimal hassle.

Austin Small Businesses Cybersecurity Services

In conclusion, understanding the most common breeds of malware is crucial to protect your business and personal information. Malware can cause serious damage, including violations to Austin TX HIPAA, resulting in significant legal and financial consequences. If you’re in need of ransomware remediation in Austin, don’t hesitate to contact TekRESCUE. Our team of experts is here to help you protect your data and prevent future attacks. Stay safe and secure online by reaching out to TekRESCUE today!

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