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Malware Risks and Prevention Strategies

Malware poses a significant risk to organizations that deal with private client information, as the average cost of a data breach caused by malware is $3.6 million. Hackers can gain access to systems using trojans, drive-by downloads, rootkits, password hacking, and phishing scams. The presence of malware can be identified by antivirus software being disabled, unfamiliar software installed, random pop-ups, redirected internet searches, and changed passwords. To remediate breaches, one should install or update antivirus, secure home networks, only download from trusted sources, be vigilant of email attachments, and maintain strong passwords.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
69 views2 pages

Malware Risks and Prevention Strategies

Malware poses a significant risk to organizations that deal with private client information, as the average cost of a data breach caused by malware is $3.6 million. Hackers can gain access to systems using trojans, drive-by downloads, rootkits, password hacking, and phishing scams. The presence of malware can be identified by antivirus software being disabled, unfamiliar software installed, random pop-ups, redirected internet searches, and changed passwords. To remediate breaches, one should install or update antivirus, secure home networks, only download from trusted sources, be vigilant of email attachments, and maintain strong passwords.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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One of the top risks organizations face however is one that often goes overlooked.

It’s a risk
that’s particularly troublesome to companies that deal with important, private client information.
That risk is malware. As a matter of fact, the average cost of a data breach which could
potentially be caused by malware is 3.6 million dollars for businesses.
The methods hackers implemented to gain access:
The techniques and technologies outlined above are some of the most effective tools modern
hackers have at their disposal. You’ve likely heard about phishing scams and other forms of
social engineering utilized by hackers. Basic computer security awareness and a bit of common
sense in your day-to-day online activities is generally enough to avoid becoming victims.
Here are several other high-tech ways your computer can be exposed are as follows:
 Trojans
 Drive-By Downloads
 Rootkits
 Password hacking
 Phishing scams
How to identify the presence malware:
It can be difficult to determine, but the more you educate yourself, the more likely you are to
detect tampering with your system. Following is a short list of signs that could mean your system
has been penetrated:
 Antivirus Software Disabled. 
 Unfamiliar Software Has Been Installed.
 Random Pop-Ups.
 Internet Searches Are Redirected.
 Passwords Have Been Changed
How to remediate these breaches:
There is no way to make your personal computer completely impenetrable to a cyberattack. The
list below is composed of steps you can take, and should keep your system safe from almost all
security threats.
 Install or Update Antivirus Software
 Secure Your Home Network
 Download Only From Trusted Sources. 
 Be Vigilant With Email Attachments.
 Maintain Your Passwords. 
Future attacks can be prevented:
 Get Outdated Software Off Your System
Computer systems are often cluttered with legacy software that is no longer relevant to business
practices. Add that risk to the amount of bloatware you may have hidden on your machine
(irrelevant programs that come stock on your computer), and you’re looking at a lot of malware
vulnerabilities.
 Keep Internet Activity Relevant Let’s face it, while doing personal tasks on a work
computer is frowned upon, it happens. If your employees are accessing websites not
relevant to business operations, you have a couple of options.
 Up Your Password Standards Expanding again on the possibility of bad actors
physically accessing your network, you should make sure that passwords are strong on
all devices your organization utilizes.
 Beware of “Advertising” Advertising is how massive portions of the internet are
funded. Unfortunately, many web admin’s willingness to put whatever ad widgets pay
best on their site open you up to malware.

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