If you haven’t started protecting your devices from viruses yet, it’s probably a good idea if you start now. To put it into perspective, according to a malware and virus report published by AVG in 2024, there were over 150,000 malware attacks per second in 2023.
Unfortunately, this trend is on a sharp incline, and the only way to avoid being one of a significant number of victims is to be proactive. To master how to prevent viruses and malicious code, it’s vital to understand how they work. In this article, we explain these threats and what you can do to protect yourself.
Understanding viruses and malicious code
With so many types of cyber threats, it’s natural to get confused. Plus, some threats operate in a similar way, which doesn’t help. Viruses, malicious code, or malware are programs designed to infiltrate computer systems and disrupt, damage, or steal data. However, probing deeper reveals how they’re different:
Malicious code: Any code explicitly written to exploit users, networks, devices, and data. It’s a general term used to refer to infected scripts and software.
Malware: A type of malicious code designed to damage and take control of devices. It includes ransomware, worms, spyware, and viruses.
Virus: A particular type of malware and malicious code. As the name suggests, these follow the pattern of biological viruses: infect, replicate, and spread. They attach themselves to documents or files by inserting their malicious code, which is activated when an infected file is opened. By then, the virus may have already spread throughout your device and further replicate when the infected file is shared.
A good example is ILOVEYOU – one of the most popular and historic viruses. It consisted of an email message with an attachment called ‘LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.txt.vbs’. Of course, with a name like that, many people opened it, which triggered the virus to hijack their address book and forward the message to everyone on the list. As it propagated, it corrupted files on computers worldwide.
Common threats and their impact
Unfortunately, viruses are just one entry in a long list of threats. They have been largely replaced by more sophisticated types of malware:
Worm: Self-replicating program that damages files and spreads through networks without user intervention.
Ransomware: Encrypts files, with attackers demanding payment in exchange for decryption.
Adware: Shows unwanted and intrusive pop-up ads, often generating revenue for its creators by collecting your data for targeted advertisement.
Spyware: Gathers personal data, such as passwords and internet activity, without your consent.
Trojan horse: Infected file disguised as legitimate software to trick users into opening or executing it.
All these malware can cause significant damage to both people and businesses. This includes operational disruption, bankruptcy, substantial financial loss, reputation damage, and data loss. Naturally, the extent of the impact is usually worse for organizations since most are connected to more extensive networks.
Furthermore, advancements in technology have made cybercrime more dangerous. Bad actors are now using sophisticated tactics to target their victims. These include elaborate social engineering attacks like AI-driven romance scams and supply chain attacks and the use of deepfakes, disinformation, and ransomware-as-a-service – essentially a marketplace where hackers sell or lease ransomware.
Best practices and strategies for prevention
Considering the growing number of cyber threats and the different ways they can be applied, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed regarding protection. To address this, there are a few crucial cybersecurity strategies you need to stay on top of emerging risks.
Crucial cybersecurity strategies
1
Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware solutions
The world of antimalware tools and solutions is as large as the number of threats, so there are plenty to choose from. Fortunately, you can check our recommendations for the best antivirus software to find one that suits your needs. Alternatively, for a more comprehensive approach to security and privacy, we suggest browsing the best internet security suites.
2
Adopt safe browsing habits
Since browsers are one of the primary exploited entry points used by bad actors, it’s crucial to avoid providing opportunities that compromise your security. We recommend adjusting your browser’s privacy and security settings, using a pop-up blocker and private browsing modes, and routinely deleting cookies. You also need to be vigilant about incoming suspicious emails with unexpected attachments or requests for private information, as these may be phishing attempts. Fortunately, you can avoid all this manual labor by opting for one of the best secure browsers and email services.
3
Deploy strong network security
Most hacks take advantage of unsecured and weak networks, so you should try to bolster yours. You can achieve this by using a firewall and network perimeters and using SSL/TLS for all communications. Lastly, we recommend performing regular vulnerability scans of network devices and systems.
If you don’t have solid account protection, you’re more likely to become the target of a hacker. We recommend enabling MFA for all accounts that support it. In addition, make sure to create strong, long, and complex passwords. Alternatively, we recommend using a password manager to take control of this more easily. Plus, password managers go beyond just storing passwords, further elevating security.
5
Keep software updated
Unpatched software is a common target for cybercriminals, as it allows them to exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore, you should regularly update your operating system, apps, and security software.
6
Back up data regularly
Many cyber threats can encrypt or completely erase your data. The best way to protect yourself from these risks is to subscribe to an online backup solution. This will ensure your data is safe, even if you become a cyberattack victim.
Staying safe online becomes more crucial every day, and this calls for immediate attention to cybersecurity, both for individuals and businesses. Threats are evolving at an unmatched speed, and failing to adapt is like willingly handing over your wallet to a thief.
Combining different strategies is paramount, such as subscribing to an internet security suite and ensuring reliable and strong network security. Using a password manager, ensuring all software is updated, and backing up your data are also critical steps in securing long-term protection.
Preventing viruses and malicious code is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requiresongoing vigilance and consistent checks to significantly reduce the chances of being hacked. That said, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about internet security. Lastly, feel free to share your own tips or ask questions in the comments.
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