Malware comes in a dizzying array of different forms, so it can be easy to fall into despair thinking that there’s no way to protect every device you use in your home or business.
Fortunately, several tools exist to block out malicious software, though navigating your choices in this department can be challenging. Zscaler is a leader in creating solutions to fight malware and protect confidential data.
So, for example, you might want to start by going over the basic types of malware so you know which ones you are most at risk for.
Defining the Types of Malware
Perhaps the most famous type of malware is the lowly computer virus, which is a piece of renegade software that starts to replicate itself after someone activates it. While it can be tempting to use the word virus to describe every type of malware, worms and Trojans are potentially more damaging.
A worm replicates itself by exploiting a security hole, so it doesn’t need any human intervention to get started. Trojan horse programs are disguised as legitimate software, but they compromise a system the moment they’re run. Security hotfixes are going to be your best bet against worms. So make sure to update all of your system software as well as your browser regularly.
Traditional antivirus software can help reduce the risk of conventional virus programs, but you need to update these regularly as well. That ensures that they always have the latest definitions that enable them to catch any new infections.
Education is probably the best bet against Trojans since they usually work by tricking hapless users into running them. Investing in ransomware protection is vital to protect against a more destructive type of security threat.
Defending Against Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that infects a system and then proceeds to encrypt any storage devices attached to it. The individuals who develop this kind of software usually then demand users pay them a certain amount of cryptocurrency tokens to get back their data.
These attacks are becoming obscenely common on both the Microsoft Windows and Google Android platforms.
Software that offers ransomware protection scans local memory for any unusual activity, which could potentially indicate the presence of some kind of crypto locker program. Once it catches one, the security app will render the software inert and ask the user for input.
Since there are plenty of reasons someone might want to run an encryption algorithm, a well-designed ransomware protection platform will create an allowlist for valuable programs.
Anything else gets blocked out, thus reducing the risk that a particular application will be able to seize control of a storage system.A good firewall is also essential for this reason, though boxed solutions are now coupled with the overwhelming majority of routers and system software packages on the market.
So take a moment to ensure that whatever solution you have installed is on and running. Doing so can help slash the chances of anyone gaining control of your shop’s tech.
