January 31, 2019 Malware — or “malicious software” — is any program designed to harm your device and data. Several types of malware — including trojans, viruses, ransomware, spyware and worms — can be installed on your company’s computers. Millions of people will fall victim to some malware threat in any given year, and you and your employees are no exception. But few know what exactly malware is or what happens next. Can malware get passwords? Delete programs and files? How does it really affect your business? Malware works in various ways, and different types have different capabilities. We’re here to guide you through how malware affects your computer, the symptoms of malware and how you can keep your business safe from a malware infection. What Can Malware Do?In short, malware can wreak havoc on a computer and its network. Hackers use it to steal passwords, delete files and render computers inoperable. A malware infection can cause many problems that affect daily operation and the long-term security of your company. Here are some of the many things malware can do. 1. Steal Your Sensitive InformationMore than 1,000 data breaches occurred in the past year alone. These breaches affected a range of diverse industries, from government operations to small and large businesses, and many got their start with malware.Information theft is one of the most serious and costly results of malware. Once pieces of malware such as spyware and trojans are installed on your device, hackers can gather your personal and company information to sell to third-party sources. This information can include browsing history, passwords, client profiles and other sensitive data. 2. Slow Your ComputerOnce a piece of malware is in action, it begins to consume a large chunk of your computer’s memory. Many types of malware also replicate themselves and fill your hard drive, so there’s little room left for legitimate programs. This loss of space can lead to a sluggish computer, which makes it difficult to carry on with business as usual. 3. Restrict Access to Your FilesCertain types of malware can damage or delete files and programs on your computer. Unless your data is backed up on another hard drive or cloud server, you won’t be able to regain access to many of these files after a cyber attack.One type of malware known as ransomware holds the files on your computer hostage. Ransomware hackers threaten to delete all of your data unless you give them money. 4. Spread Throughout Your NetworkWorms are an especially disruptive type of malware for businesses. Once this malware infects a computer, it replicates itself and spreads throughout the entire network. Most companies operate all their devices on a single network — which means that a worm could damage not just one employee’s computer, but the entire organization. 5. Disrupt Daily OperationsNearly every type of malware will affect normal business operations in some form or another. Adware is specifically a nuisance for business productivity. When installed onto a computer, it enables constant popups and can even redirect your search results to advertisers’ sites — making it hard for anyone to enjoy the functionality of their device.Symptoms of MalwareBecause malware takes many different forms, it can look a bit different for everyone. However, some of the most common symptoms of a malware infection include:
How to Prevent Malware InfectionsYou can take several steps toward minimizing your risk of malware threats:
Protect Your Network With Consolidated Technologies, Inc.When you want to leave your business’ network security in the hands of the experts, turn to Consolidated Technologies, Inc. We’ve helped more than 2,000 businesses solve their cybersecurity concerns and protect themselves from malware and other threats. Your network security is our top concern. Contact us to learn more about our security solutions and request your free consultation. Which is the software that infect computer?Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.
What is any type of software that is designed to damage your computer?Malware: Malware is short for malicious software, it is a software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
What is the name for software that can infect a computer without the user allowing it?Spyware is a type of malicious software -- or malware -- that is installed on a computing device without the end user's knowledge. It invades the device, steals sensitive information and internet usage data, and relays it to advertisers, data firms or external users.
What kind of malware infected the files?Pure computer viruses are uncommon today, comprising less than 10% of all malware. That's a good thing: Viruses are the only type of malware that "infects" other files. That makes them particularly hard to clean up because the malware must be executed from the legitimate program.
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