Eleven Things To Know About Malware to Bolster Your Business Security and Drive Away Cyber Predators

Malware, the short name for malicious software, lies in wait to take advantage of any security loopholes. Malware is code or a program designed by high-tech criminals to infiltrate your business computer network. It’s estimated malware causes close to 30% of all data breaches.

Malicious software can delete, steal, or encrypt essential business data, including passwords and customer information. But that’s not all. Some codes can alter significant network functions.

Others monitor your network secretly, ransom your data, or implant spam and unwanted ads. Think the criminals will overlook your small business? No, recent statistics suggest small business is a bigger target for malware than big business.

How does malware infect your business computer systems? Invasions occur through email attachments, internet ads, or corrupted applications. What are the clues signaling an infection?

Sudden slow system functionality, unwanted pop-ups, frequent crashes, suspicious icons or files on desktops, unprompted redirection to undesired websites, and programs mysteriously stalled. How do you protect your critical business systems?

Install anti-virus and anti-malware software, a firewall, an IDS or intrusion detection system, and an IPS or intrusion prevention system. Back up your data regularly. Keep on top of your software and device updates as outdated software is an easy entry point.

Put strong authentication in place. Use super secure passwords, two-factor authentication, don’t save passwords on computers or the network, and limit the number of log-in attempts. Limit administrative privileges to only those tasks requiring them.

Last but not least, educate your employees on malware and how it gains access. They’re one of your best defenses against it.

Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.