What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the protection of networks, devices, data, and information from criminal or unauthorized use. It also includes the practice of ensuring confidentiality and integrity of information. Businesses now depend on computers and the Internet. Communication (e.g. email, smartphones, tablets), entertainment, transportation (e.g. navigation systems), shopping online (e.g. credit cards), medicine, equipment, and medical records are just a few examples. Much of our everyday life is dependent on technology.
Businesses, organizations, and government agencies all use computers to store information. This means that your computer network contains data about humans that is stored on your computers and it is your responsibility to protect this data. When you have questions about your Cybersecurity, call InfoTech Services Group Inc. at 1(877)724-8781. We can test your computer network system, analyze the data, recommend a Cybersecurity plan and implement that plan to remove malicious software, including viruses, ransomware, worms and spyware.
Cybersecurity Video From InfoTech Services Group Inc.
Types of Malicious Programs
What is Malware?
Malware is an acronym for “malicious software.” Malware is highly dangerous to your data because the intention of malware damage, disrupt, or disable computers, computer networks and computer systems, tablet computers, and mobile devices like cell phones. Malware frequently will assume partial or complete control over a computer or device operations.
Although malware cannot damage the physical hardware of systems or network equipment (with one known exception: Google Android), it can steal, encrypt, or delete your data, alter or hijack core computer functions, and spy on your computer activity without your knowledge or permission.
There are several different varieties of Malware, including Virus, Ransomware, Worms, and Spyware. InfoTech Services Group provides Cybersecurity programs that will remove and prevent these malware programs from infecting your computer network.
What Is A Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches to another program (like a document), which can replicate and spread after a person first runs it on their system. For instance, you could receive an email with a malicious attachment, open the file unknowingly, and then the computer virus runs on your computer. Viruses are harmful and can destroy data, slow down system resources, and log keystrokes.
A computer virus behaves somewhat like a virus that infects humans. Here are 3 main facts about Computer viruses.
- A computer virus requires a host program.
- To transmit a computer virus from one system to another user action is required.
- A computer virus attaches bits of its own malicious code to other files or replaces files outright with copies of itself.
How can I stop computer viruses?
Stopping computer viruses requires investing in good cybersecurity software. InfoTech Services Group does research and analysis on anti-virus software. We have experience and expertise in purchasing the right cybersecurity software, install, and management to stop viruses before they infect your computer network system.
How Do I Remove A Computer Virus?
Removing a computer virus requires a high quality software program that is designed specifically to remove computer viruses and prevention reoccurrence. We use a variety of cybersecurity antivirus programs including Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition, Symantec Mail Security, PestPatrol, Spy Sweeper, and Spy Sweeper Enterprise. We can analyze your computer system and seek out security issues. Then we will recommend and install the antivirus system that will work best with your computer network.
Call InfoTech Services Group Inc. at 1(877)724-8781 to discuss your cybersecurity situation. Once we have your information we can test your system, then get started removing all computer viruses from your network and ensuring your system will not be infected with computer viruses in the future.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware employs what is known as “asymmetric encryption.” This type of cryptography uses a pair or keys to encrypt or decrypt files. The attacker generates the public-private pair for the victim. The private key is used to decrypt files and make them usable. Although the attacker will only make the victim’s private key available after payment of the ransom, this is not always true, as we have seen with recent ransomware attacks. It is almost impossible to decrypt files being held hostage for ransom without the private key.
There are many types of ransomware. Ransomware and other malware are often distributed via email spam campaigns or targeted attacks. Malware requires an attack vector in order to establish its presence at an endpoint. Once malware is detected, it stays on the system until it is removed.
Ransomware then drops and executes a malicious program on the infected computer after a successful exploit. The ransomware then searches for and encrypts important files such as Microsoft Word documents, images and databases. Ransomware can also be spread through network and system vulnerabilities, potentially affecting entire companies.
What is a Computer Worm?
Computer worms are a type malware that self-replicates and infects other computers. However, they can also remain active on infected machines. Computer worms can replicate themselves to spread to other infected systems. This is often done by exploiting automatic parts of an operating systems that are invisible to the user. Worms are often only noticed when uncontrolled replication slows down or stops other tasks.
How Do Computer Worms Impact A Website?
Computer worms often depend on vulnerabilities and actions in networking protocols to spread their attacks. Once a computer worm has been installed on infected systems, it will usually follow its primary directive to stay active and spread the worm to other infected systems.
Once infected, one type computer worm malware starts a network search to find new victims. This is done by systems that respond SMBv1 requests. These clients allow the worm to continue spreading within a network. Worms can be disguised so that they appear to be a benign resource (e.g., a link or work file) which the user downloads or clicks on. However, it is later revealed to be a worm.
What is Spyware?
Spyware can be loosely described as malicious software that attempts to gain access to your computer, collect data about you and send it to third parties without your consent. Spyware could also be used to describe legitimate software that monitors data for advertising purposes. Malicious spyware, however, is used explicitly to profit from stolen data.
What Does Spyware Do?
Spyware’s surveillance activity, whether legitimate or fraudulent, can lead to data breaches and misuse. Spyware can also slow down network performance and device performance, affecting daily user activities. All spyware can see your data and track all of your computer activities, whether you have authorized it or not. Many trusted applications and computer services use spyware-like tracking tools. The spyware definition is mainly reserved for malicious programs.
Malicious spyware refers to malware that has been installed without your consent. Step-by-step spyware will perform the following actions on your mobile device or computer:
- Infiltrate computers through an app installation package, malicious website or file attachment.
- Monitor and capture data via keystrokes and screen captures and other tracking codes.
- Email stolen data to the spyware author. Data can be used directly or sold.
What Can I Do To Stop Viruses And Malware?
Use Strong Passwords
Your day to day operations require software passwords, so make certain they are not a point of vulnerability. Do not use common words like “password”, or sequential numbers like 1234. Also avoid using your children’s’ or spouses’ names and birthdates. We recommend using a “complex” password with random letters, numbers and symbols that make up a password that is at least 8 characters long. Also vary your password from website to website or program to program. For larger organizations we recommend changing passwords every 30 to 60 days.
Use The Latest Version Of Your Software Applications
Make certain that all your computer software is up to date and you are using the latest versions for all devices including telephones, tablets, notebooks, cell phones, desktop computers and servers. When commercial software is updated, it is distributed with the most recent programming code necessary to prevent security issues. Major computer software companies, like Oracle and Microsoft are constantly updating their software to remove any program code error that could be used by hackers to break the program.
Any operating system software that has not been updated in more than three years will not have the built in capability to defend against newer malware programs or viruses that are recent programs.
Install Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a computer program that protects against virtual viruses. Antivirus software can detect and eradicate the threat before you are even aware. At InfoTech Services Group Inc, we use several anti-malware programs including Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition and other software programs to stop viruses.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is not automatically required if you use antivirus software. Both PC computers and Apple computer are delivered with pre-installed with firewall software. To provide additional protection against malware and viruses, make sure that it is enabled.
Install a Popup Blocker
While you go about your day online, many attacks occur through browsers. Hackers can access your computer by clicking on an innocent link or ad. To protect your computer’s data, an ad blocker or popup blocking program is necessary. It will stop unwanted pages opening automatically.
If you don’t know the source of an email or a file, never click on it, open it, or download it. This is particularly important for emails, which are a major source of malware.
Email Phishing Scams
32% of security breaches reported involve phishing scams. These emails appear as legitimate companies and are sent in an email form. This is an attempt to get you to enter personal information or click on infected links that allow access to your computer.
Every legitimate company should have its own domain for email. It’s a fraud if an email address claims it is from Netflix or PayPal, but ends in @gmail.com.
You should also be wary of suspicious attachments, buttons and links, as well as misspellings and poor grammar. Legitimate companies will not invite you to log in via email and provide billing or personal information. This is a great rule of thumb: if you are unsure, do not click on the link.
Educate Your Business Staff Members
Cyber-attacks are usually the result of an innocent act by an uninformed individual. This could be your child, a family member, or an employee not aware of smart Internet techniques. You can teach anyone using your computer the basics if you are unsure.
You can review a few points in this post such as not opening email attachments or clicking on links coming from unknown sources. Cyberattack success and failure could be decided by a few minutes of education.
What Are The Signs of Malware Infection?
Computer viruses can still occur despite your best efforts. Are you able to recognize a virus on your computer’s hard drive? These are some things to look out for:
- Multiple error messages
- Computer suddenly slows down
- It takes too long to restart or shut down the computer
- Unexpected shutdowns
- You haven’t installed new toolbars
- Your home page changes
- Rapidly draining battery for notebooks and cell phones
These signs can indicate that your computer has been infected. A virus is almost certain if you see more than one sign. Perform a scan to ensure that all software is the latest version. Search online for other user businesses with similar problems to see if they have any solutions.
Hire InfoTech Services Group Inc.
Most businesses need help with their cybersecurity, but are not in a position to hire full time staff for a Security Department. Use our Managed IT Services to ensure your computer network and servers are running properly and have all the anti-malware protection needed for optimum efficiency for your business. Resource for cybersecurity can be found at CISA
Call InfoTech Services Group Inc at 1(877)724-8781 to discuss your company’s cybersecurity issues. We will develop and implement a customized IT Managed Services program for you that will include 24/7 cybersecurity for your business. Next – Our local Los Angeles city services map.
InfoTech Services Group, Inc.
36 Sunset Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
1(877)724-8781
Los Angeles City Services Area
