With how common computer and smartphone use has become both at home and at work, it’s likely that you’ve heard the terms “virus” and “malware” thrown around before. While it’s common knowledge that these are bad things that can ruin your electronic device, the many different types of malware and their functions are less known.
In fact, many people don’t even realize that malware comes in different forms! The reality is that there are many different methods that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to documents on your computer; including some that can cause major damage to your electronics.
In order to avoid becoming a victim of malware, it is important to know where malware comes from. Malware can make its way onto your computer through web browsing on unsecured websites, through downloading infected files and programs from the internet, and even simply from random or targeted network attacks. It is important to maintain proper web browsing habits to avoid obtaining malware; some anti-malware software can also be beneficial in preventing attacks and infected files from infecting your device before they have the chance. Keep these tips in mind next time you are browsing the web;
- Install antivirus and anti-malware software, and keep it updated!
- Run regular scans through this software.
- Make sure your operating system is being updated in a timely manner.
- Ensure that your Wi-Fi password is strong (here are some tips for making a strong password).
- Pay attention to where you’re browsing!
- Don’t hand out personal information carelessly.
We’ve compiled a list of different forms that malware can appear in, and a brief overview of how they work to infect your computer and steal your data;
Spyware
This is a form of malware that you may not even realize you have at all. Spyware is designed to spy on your computer activity. It can do this by sending usage information including web browsing activity and keyboard presses to hackers.
Trojan Horse
A trojan horse is a form of malware that sneaks into your computer under the guise of a secure-looking piece of software. The name is derived from the Greek story of the trojan horse, which was effectively a very similar mechanism of attack.
Worm
Worms are a form of malware that can copy and spread itself onto other nearby computers, usually through a local network. Worms can significantly slow down computers to the point where they become nearly unusable.
Ransomware
This is a more intimidating form of malware. Ransomware blocks users from accessing the data on their own machines, often through a mechanism such as encryption, and forces the user to pay a sum of money to regain access to their data. Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common, especially against businesses.
While malware can definitely make the internet seem like an intimidating place to be, it is very much possible to avoid becoming a victim of malware. Knowing the signs of an infection and maintaining proper browsing habits are two vital ways to making sure your device stays happy and healthy.
Another surefire way to keep unauthorized hackers from accessing electronic data is to physically destroy storage devices and machines that contain such data. Shred A Way’s state of the art media destruction services can help you do exactly that, with reliable and flexible destruction services for hard drives, e-scrap, mobile devices and more. With 24-hour turnaround time on emergency requests, on or off-site services and video capture of the destruction process, you can rest assured knowing that your data is securely destroyed.
Talk to our expert team today to learn more about our media destruction services.