Possible keywords:
can malware be removed
how malware attacks
why malware is dangerous
how much malware is created every day
What is Malware threats?
Understanding what is malware threats is important.
Malware threats increase dramatically – keeping safe online “Majava malware records 393 infections per 10,000 people in Australia.” article by Brian Karlovsky at ARN Feb 2015. edited here by Aspire Computing Cybercrime costs Australian economy more than $1.65 billion a year.
Old versions of Java are the number one cause of security breaches in A/NZ according to Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure. Nearly half of all malware in Australia occurred in older versions of Java or unpatched software.
“Majava” malware, that exploits old Java run time versions, resulted in around 400 infections per 10,000 people.
“Sinowal”, one of the ten most prevalent malware families in Australia, targets user names and passwords of online banking accounts.
In Australia, 48 per cent of malware occurred in old versions of Java and other unpatched software including Adobe Flash Player (a browser plugin).
People need to be more cautious about securing sensitive information stored online, as malware threats have grown dramatically.
“Protecting your privacy online is critical, for individuals and for businesses who store sensitive customer and employee information, as well as other commercially valuable data.” In 2014, F-Secure also saw a concerning rise in malware growth on the Android platform, internationally.
The global surge in cybercrime, has heightened concerns about the internet security environment in the Trans-Tasman region.
“Without proper education about smart online habits, people and businesses face enormous risks, with the annual cost of cybercrime in Australia is estimated at $1.65 billion.”
In New Zealand, the Government estimates the cost of cybercrime to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
F-Secure has outlined the top five measures, everyone should take to prevent cybercrime and to protect sensitive online information.
What is malware threats?
By definition, malware is short for malicious software and is a blanket term that covers viruses, worms, Trojans and other harmful computer programs that computer hackers use to create destruction on your PC.
As indicated, the types of malware include viruses etc (you can learn more about these here ), so learning how to prevent malware attack is important.
10 security tips to help you include:
- Install antivirus and anti-spyware software
- Use secure authentic methods
- Use administrator accounts only when necessary
- Keep software updated
- Control access to systems
- Adhere to the least-privilege model
- Implement email security and spam protection
- Monitor for suspicious activity
- Educate your users
- Limit application privileges
How malware spreads?
There a three ways in which malware can spread. These include email, web or directly and are the vector classes that are of particular interests to cyber security experts.
- Email – this is a very simple and effective method of spreading malware throughout your computer system. Criminals can send you applications secretly that will collect data the moment that they are opened. This can happen when you get emails sent to you from untrusted sources and most of them have links that directs you to a convincing version of your bank for example.
- Web – criminals can design websites that can exploit vulnerabilities in your system. A typical example maybe something when a pop up ad warns you that your computer has a virus and it will ask you to click to clean the virus to get rid of it.
- Direct – this includes using a USB infected device that can exploit the host operating system from within the network or social engineering tactics. It sounds simple but it too is very effective.
Aspire Computing can help you remove malware for you if you ever feel that your data has been compromised and infected. Give them a call today on 0402 017 396 . Computer repairs Toowoomba – Computer repairs Highfields – Computer repairs Newtown, Toowoomba
B.App.Sc., Cert. Computer Engineering PC Service and Repair
As the owner of Aspire Computing founded in 1999, Chaim Lee has been working for over 20 years as the Leading Computer Technician.
He has a life long interest in electronics, computing, science and technology. He has completed studies and gained qualifications in Applied Science, Computer Repair and Service, Microsoft Installation and Maintenance, Technical Writing, Workplace Training, and Technical Sales Training.
Write a Comment