In today’s digital world, the threat of malware attacks is very real. Understanding what malware attacks are, as well as the importance of them is crucial for any person or business.

Furthermore, when you understand what malware attacks are, you can better protect yourself and your business. So what are malware attacks?

Malware attacks are when an entity creates a malicious software with the intention of downloading it onto your computer. This is done without the user knowing about it and typically for financial gain.

Additionally, cyber attacks are not limited to users’ computers. Now one’s information can be compromised on their Android or IOS device.

Read on to discover the different types of cyber attacks one should look out for.

Types of Malware Attacks

When considering your cyber security, there are many different attacks to be aware of. These attacks come in various forms and can do different things to a user’s computer.

Types of malware attacks include:

• Malicious advertising (malicious code embedded into legitimate ads on a website)
• Exploit kit (kits that search for software vulnerabilities on user’s devices)
• Drive-by downloads (when a website hosts an exploit kit; downloads malicious code onto user with no interaction on website needed)
• Man-in-the-Middle attack (MitM) (user’s information is stolen via intruder access through public router connection; intruder intercepts all information between user and websites)
• Man-in-the-Browser attack (MitB) (similar to an MitM attack except the intruder software is installed into the web browser, giving intruder all recorded information in browser)
• Social engineering malware delivery (a delivery method utilizing human empathy or scare tactics to deceive users; intended to trick users in to downloading malicious software via email, text, etc. )

While these are not all of the cyber attacks one should be aware of, they are the important ones. Now that you understand the different cyber attacks out there, you should understand what to do after you’ve been attacked.

What you Should Do After You’ve Been Attacked

First and foremost, if you’ve fallen victim to a cyber attack, do not panic. This will help nothing and make the situation more complicated.

Furthermore, there are steps that can be taken even after malicious software as infiltrated your computer. Some of these steps include:

• Disconnect from the internet immediately
• Use antivirus software to scan your computer
• Close all accounts (Bank, social, etc.)

Other than that, just monitor all of the accounts the attacker might have gained access to. The best protection however for malware attacks is prevention.

How to Protect Yourself in the Future Against Malware Attacks

The best way for one to protect themselves and their information against malware attacks is prevention. It is easier to prevent a vase from being broken than it is to clean it up afterwards.

Some of these prevention techniques include:

• Update your software
• Scan files that are coming from external sources
• Backup all of your files onto external memory unit
• Install anti-virus software
• Consistently monitor accounts

Malware attacks are inconvenient and even at times dangerous but they are a reality of the digital world we live in. Protecting you or your company’s information to the best of your ability is crucial.

Any questions regarding cyber security or malware attacks? Please reach out. We would love to help you will all of your cyber security needs.Contact Us