WHAT IS MALWARE?

Malware is the general term applied to malicious software code designed to compromise PCs and Apple Macintosh computers.

This can split into a number of categories ranging from distracting and a nuisance up to destructive with potential loss of data and financial cost to users and indeed entire commercial organisations.

The majority of malware is installed from clicking on infected web links (where additional code is 'injected' into a hacked web site). Some malware can also be installed by opening email attachments containing .zip files, although this can usually be avoided by being vigilant and observing the usual practice of not opening emails from unknown senders etc.

Broadly speaking the categories are:

• Adware - typically will constantly pop-up windows or populate Internet browser pages with adverting or other information. Usually not harmful in the long term and relatively easily removed.
  
  
• Spyware - this can take the form of acting like a trojan virus and installing a background component or service that steals and uploads data such as key logging. This can include usernames and passwords for financial sites which can lead to a serious breach of security for a company.
  
  
• Ransomware - ransomware will typically install on an individual user's computer and acts by encrypting all the common data files such as Word, Excel and PDF documents. Once encrypted the documents become inaccessible and windows will pop up demanding a payment (usually Bitcoin so it can't be traced back to the perpetrator). HOWEVER, in addition to encrypting a users local files, ransomware will also seek out network shares and encrypt files stored on a companies file server potentially causing a large amount of devastation and inconvenience.
  
  This is where a robust backup strategy is absolutely crucial so that downtime is kept to a minimum and files can be restored back to operational use as fast as possible.

HOW DOES ANTI-MALWARE DIFFER FROM ANTIVIRUS SOLUTIONS?

Antivirus programs traditionally have focused on viruses and other “older” malware threats. With the rapid rise of polymorphic malware and advanced tools to create malware in the past 10 years, antivirus failures have become commonplace.

However, traditional antivirus solutions still catch the older, more established legacy threats. That’s why a layered security approach that includes an anti-malware, an antivirus, anti-exploit technology, and a firewall is now universally encouraged.

We recommend and support Malwarebytes Endpoint Security which is an endpoint protection platform that uses multiple technologies to proactively protect your computers against unknown and known threats.

• Stops advanced malware, including ransomware
  
  
• Removes all traces of malware
  
  
• Protects applications against zero-day exploits
  
  
• Blocks malicious websites
  
  
• Centralised management and threat reporting

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