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Malware is malicious software that is designed to cause disruption to an IT system, leak private information, or extort the victim in some way. As you can imagine, organizations are very keen to protect their systems from malware attacks due to the costs associated with them. However, given that most malware attacks are the result of human error, there aren’t yet any fool-proof techniques for preventing them.
Once a system has been infected with malware, any number of undesirable events can unfold. To make matters worse, some forms of malware operate in a very covert manner and are thus able to go undetected for several months, perhaps even longer.
Malware typically arrives in the form of an email attachment, although in some cases the victim will be sent a link to a malicious website, where they will be tricked into downloading/executing a script or handing over their credentials. Anyone can potentially fall victim to a malware attack, including IT professionals, as all it takes is one accidental click.
While reports have suggested that some types of malware are on the decline, ransomware, phishing sites, cryptojacking and IoT malware are on the rise. However, it’s worth noting that in the wake of the pandemic there was a surge in the number of malware infections, as cybercriminals saw it as an opportunity to exploit vulnerable employees. As organizations continue to adapt to such changes, their defense against malware attacks will inevitably improve.
The Most Common Types of Malware Attacks
- Adware
- Viruses
- Worms
- Trojans
- Bots
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Fileless Malware
- Mobile Malware
- Cryptojacking
- Keyloggers
- Rootkits
1. Adware
Adware is a type of malicious software that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer. Although it is relatively harmless, it can be very annoying for the victim, and many adware programs will slow down the victim’s computer. In some cases, the adware will install other malware programs in the background, such as viruses or spyware.
2. Viruses
A virus is a general form of malware that is designed to infect your system and then spread to other systems. Viruses typically arrive in the form of an email attachment, and once executed, can corrupt, encrypt, steal or delete the files on your system.
3. Worms
A worm is a type of malware that is designed to copy itself and spread from one computer to the next, and it can do so without any human interaction. In many cases, the worm script will simply replicate itself in order to deplete a system of its resources. Worms can also modify and delete files, as well as install additional forms of malware onto the system.
4. Trojans
A trojan derives its name from the legendary “Trojan Horse“, which instead of being a gift, turned out to be malicious. Unlike a virus or a worm, a trojan relies on the user to execute the application and usually arrives via social engineering.
5. Bots
Bots are small programs that perform automated tasks, often without the need for human intervention. Bots are often used to perform distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS), which is where the bots are installed on a large number of devices, often without the device owner’s knowledge. Hackers then use these bots to launch a large-scale attack on a given target, which includes flooding the target with traffic in an attempt to cause disruption.
6. Ransomware
Ransomware is arguably the most formidable form of malware, perhaps because it is the most profitable. Once the ransomware script has been executed on the victim’s device, the script will begin encrypting their files. At which point, they will be presented with a message informing them that their files have been encrypted and that they must pay a ransom in order to get their files back. In some cases, the attackers will threaten to publicly release the victim’s files unless a payment is made.
7. Spyware
Spyware, as the name would suggest, is a form of malware that is designed to spy on its victims. A common use of spyware is to log the keystrokes of the victim or monitor their activity in some way to obtain credentials or some other type of personal information.
8. Fileless Malware
Unlike other forms of malware, fileless malware doesn’t rely on files to infect a victim’s device. Instead, it exploits tools that already exist on their devices, such as PowerShell, WMI, Microsoft Office macros, and more. Since fileless malware doesn’t leave a footprint, it is a lot harder to detect.
9. Mobile Malware
Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, have become increasingly more common in the workplace. Consequently, the amount of mobile malware in circulation has surged. This malicious software can take various forms, such as spyware that monitors device activities, fake apps that steal credentials, and other data-stealing applications. Mobile malware often uses tactics like smishing, a type of phishing attack that is delivered via text messages, to infect victims. Additionally, remote access tools and bank Trojans are prevalent forms of mobile malware. The increasing reliance on mobile devices for remote work and daily tasks has made them a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise sensitive systems and data.
10. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a form of malware whose primary objective is to leverage the computational resources of compromised endpoints to mine cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin. As a subset of botnets, cryptojacking malware can stealthily reside within a system for extended periods, as perpetrators aim to maximize cryptocurrency mining output from as many infected devices as possible. Its unique focus on mining rather than data destruction or theft sets it apart from other malware variants.
11. Keyloggers
Keyloggers are a form of spyware that insidiously monitor and record each keystroke entered by a user, providing hackers unrestricted access to the user’s activities. This compromised access extends to sensitive information, such as login credentials and other sensitive data entered through typing. Although keylogging software has legitimate applications, such as parental monitoring and employee oversight, malicious versions are often employed to acquire personal and confidential information. This can lead to the unauthorized accessing of financial accounts, identity theft, and the infiltration of various systems. The primary defense against keyloggers lies in robust security awareness programs, which empower users with the knowledge to recognize and thwart social engineering tactics used by threat actors.
12. Rootkits
Initially conceived as legitimate tools for privileged system access, rootkits have evolved into a useful set of tools to compromise systems. These programs surreptitiously grant users administrative-level control while evading detection, enabling attackers to seize control of devices. Rootkits serve as a crucial entry point for cybercriminals, facilitating the covert installation of additional malware, execution of DDoS attacks, and escalation of privileges. Additionally, they can conceal keyloggers, allowing attackers to capture sensitive information. The installation of rootkits often occurs via vulnerability exploits, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive vulnerability management strategy. Like other malware, social engineering tactics can also provide a gateway for these attacks.
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How to Prevent Malware Attacks
Malware attacks are incredibly difficult to avoid, as attackers continue to improve in both sophistication and number. However, there are certain steps you can take to mitigate the risks of malware and prevent data being breached.
Here are a few ways that you can prevent malware attacks:
Employee Awareness and Training
Make sure that your employees are made aware of the importance of good cybersecurity practices and the common methods by which malware attacks happen. Employees are the biggest variable in how effective your malware prevention strategies are. If your employees are trained to spot suspicious emails, attachments, and links, then you can drastically reduce the likelihood of malware infiltration.
Deploy the Latest Antivirus and Anti-Malware Solutions
There are numerous antivirus and anti-malware software on the market that can be deployed across all company devices. Software providers constantly update their solutions to ensure that they are improving in the detection of malware all the time, which leads us on to our next point…
Keep Everything Up to Date
Ensure that operating systems, devices, and applications are all kept up to date with the latest versions. Providers often include critical vulnerability patches and software updates designed to counteract the latest waves of malware attacks. By not updating, you may be allowing malware attackers to exploit known software vulnerabilities.
Pay Attention to Network Security
Use firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to company networks and block malicious connections. Ensure you configure secure network settings. This can include making sure that passwords are complex, that unnecessary services are disabled, and that the network is segmented so that the spread of malware can be properly contained.
Implement Data Protection Practices
Make sure you maintain regular backups of important data and systems to mitigate potential damages from malware attacks. Implement strict access control measures to limit data access so that if the worst should happen, your sensitive data remains secure. Use email filtering and scanning solutions to detect potential phishing attacks. Web and URL filtering can also be beneficial to prevent employees from accessing malicious websites.
Nowadays there are plenty of vendors offering solutions that can help you prevent malware attacks. We recommend the best place to start is with the data that the attackers want. Make sure that this is secure by implementing zero trust, monitoring changes to permissions, and tracking how your employees are interacting with it.
Develop an Incident Response Plan
Develop and regularly update an incident response plan outlining procedures for responding to malware attacks. Ensure that employees know their roles and responsibilities in the event of a security incident.
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