Different Forms of Malware Attacks That Could Be Targeting Your Business and How to Prevent Them
Malware attack is one of the most dangerous cyber threats. It can lead to an insignificant rise in
outgoing traffic. A malware attack can also lead to a total breakdown of your network and the
loss of data. It is not something that you would love to encounter, and that is why cybersecurity
best practices should always remain at the epicenter of your plans. To have a proper
cybersecurity strategy, you must be aware of malware meaning, the different forms of
malware, and the possible solutions to malware attacks. Let us now start by looking at the
definition of a malware attack:
What is a malware attack?
Malware is malicious software created by cyber attackers. A malware attack is when a cyber
attacker drives malicious software into the victim’s computer without the victim’s knowledge.
The malware attackers’ objective is usually to gain access to the personal details of the victim,
shut down the victim’s computer, usually for monetary gain. Malware attacks are becoming
popular day after day. A Bitdefender’s Mid-Year Landscape Report 2020 shows that there has
been a 715% increase in the number of malware attacks. It is also important to note that
malware does not discriminate. The attackers can reach out to all kinds of devices and
operating systems, including Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and iOS. It will help if you
will know the different forms of malware attack that could hit your system. Below are the types
of malware attacks that you have to be aware of.
1. Worms
A computer worm is malicious software that self-replicates to stop the computers software
and hardware programs’ normal functioning.
A computer worm can spread to as many computers as possible over a network. For this
reason, a computer worm can be so dangerous to organizations. The primary reason why a
computer worm is created is to gain full access to the victim’s computers. Usually, computer
worms will not target the files but will replicate to infect another computer on the network.
To spread from one computer to another, the computer worms will take advantage of the
network vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals will use phishing emails with malicious attachments to
trick the victim into downloading the worm. Worms can have devastating repercussions on the
system. This is why it is essential to detect them and remove them from your system before
Different Forms of Malware Attacks That Could Be Targeting Your Business and How to Prevent Them
they can replicate and become more dangerous. There are a few indicators that will tell you
that your network has been infected. Here are the signs of a worm in your system:
● Anomalous system behavior
● Programs that will open and run automatically.
● Slow network
● Frequent error messages will be displayed.
● Firewalls warnings
● Missing or altered computer files
While other forms of malware might be the culprits behind these signs, the presence of
multiple symptoms can be a clear indicator that your system has been infected with a worm.
2. Viruses
A computer virus is another popular form of malware attack. A computer virus is so relative to
the regular virus like the flu or the coronavirus. It is designed to spread from one host to
another while replicating and causing excessive harm. A typical body virus will not be able to
reproduce without a host cell in the same way a computer virus will not produce without a
computer program like a data file or a document. The primary reason hackers create a
computer virus is to alter the regular operation of a computer. Computer viruses are
designed to spread from one computer to another across a network. A computer virus can
cause unexpected, devastating effects, such as damaging the system’s software through
corrupting the data.
Computer viruses can be spread through emails or text messages that carry malicious
attachments, internet file downloads, or scams from social media platforms. The following are
some of the signs that indicate the presence of a computer virus in your system:
● Frequent pop-ups that encourage you to click malicious links or visit malicious websites
● A complete change to your homepage
● Frequent crashing or freezing of your computer device
● Slow computer speed
● Other unusual activities such as the change in your passwords
Different Forms of Malware Attacks That Could Be Targeting Your Business and How to Prevent Them
3. Bots & Botnets
A bot (short form for robots) is a type of malware attack that performs automated roles when
commanded. Hackers, on most occasions, will not target one but many computers. The
motivation behind this is for them to control many computers at once and perform massive-
scale hacks. This type of network is referred to as a botnet.
Bots and botnets have been one of the popular forms of malware attacks in the past. They have
affected and caused havoc to hundreds of millions of computers. Cyber attackers usually use
botnets to steal financial as well as crucial personal information. They also use this form of
malware to extort money from their victims.
4. Trojan Horses
Trojan horse attacks derive the name from the Trojan Wars story about the trick which the
Greeks used to enter the city of Troy. According to the story, the Greeks had had a ten-year
fruitless siege on the Trojans. They resolved to construct a giant wooden horse where they hid
their soldiers inside and presented to the Trojans as a victory trophy. Once inside, the Greeks
came out of the wooden horse and staged a war.
Trojan horse attack imitates this technique to infect computers. A Trojan will hide inside an
outwardly harmless program. You will be lured to install the program, thinking it is safe. Once
the Trojan has accessed your system, it will stage an attack. A trojan is a kind of a decoy that
can also usher in some other malware forms such as viruses and worms.
5. Ransomware
Although ransomware cases have declined in recent years, this form of malware is still a severe
threat. Ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, denying the owner access to the system until
and unless a payment called a ransom is made. Victims will be given instructions on how to
make the payment, usually through cryptocurrency.
A ransomware attack can take several variables to access your system. An attacker can use a
phishing scam to bring down your system until when the ransom is paid.
6. Adware
Adware can be said to be advertising-supported software. Although not usually harmful,
adware could, at times, be a significant threat to your system. Adware aims to advertise a
specific product or encourage victims to download and install other software provided by third-
party vendors.
7. Spyware
Spyware refers to a malware attack where the attackers’ main intention is to spy on the victims’
activities or steal important information. A spyware attacker will perform several functionalities
without the permission of the user. General actions of spyware will include stealing crucial
details, altering user configurations, and installing the computer’s security settings.
Malware attacks are generally a nightmare to your system. It is essential to put a proper
measure in place that will protect you from malware attacks. Here are some of the steps which
you can put in place to protect your network against malware attacks:
● Use antivirus software and malware software. A trusted vendor should provide them.
● Carry out regular system scans and audits to help detect the presence of malware.
● Carry out regular upgrades to your operating system and software.
● Install an SSL certificate.
Although the certificate will not directly protect your system from malware
attacks, it will help seal the loopholes that can allow your attackers to carry out a
malware attack. SSL encrypts the data making it hard for attackers to access and
inject malware in it. You should ensure that all your domains and subdomains
have the certificate. The Wildcard SSL certificate is perfect for securing multiple
subdomains and protecting your system from malware.
● Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats.
Conclusion
Malware attacks are one of the most popular types of website threats. They can compromise
your system and cause real problems. Proper security protocols should be installed to protect. Different Forms of Malware Attacks That Could Be Targeting Your Business and How to Prevent Them your system.
You also need to be aware of the various forms of malware attacks.
This article has explained some ways of malware attacks targeting your business and how to prevent them.
