Unfortunately, malware is a hot topic these days. SMBs are a target for the bad guys, and your data could be at risk.
So let’s make sure we know what malware is, what forms it can take, and how to mitigate these risks.
Malware is a piece of software designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network of computers – this is the umbrella term for malicious software.
Virus
A computer virus modifies the system files of the host computer to execute malicious code and infect other files. This is the only form of malware that modifies other files on a computer. Viruses can be attached to emails and then downloaded by the end user.
Ransomware
This type of malware encrypts data in an information system and demands payment in exchange for regaining access. These types of attacks have increased drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, think 72% or more. However, many ransomware variants refuse to unencrypt data and some even delete the files after ransom is paid. Ransomware is often spread through spam emails.
Trojans
This malicious software looks and behaves like legitimate software but contains malicious code. The most common entry point of a trojan is from pop-up banners on websites that indicate that the user’s computer is infected with viruses and needs antivirus software to clean it up. The “antivirus software” user download contains malicious code designed to gain backdoor access to systems, steal sensitive data, or spy on user or network activities. The important thing to remember about trojans is that the user must take some action for this to take root in the computer.
Spyware
Spyware tracks the activities of the user on the infected computer including keystrokes, passwords, pin codes, payment-related information, personal messages, and other identifiable information. This can come in the form of adware – a malicious advertisement designed to force clicks from users – spoofing emails, and freeware – bundled with other software. Spyware can infect a device when a user agrees to the terms and conditions of a legitimate software program – so always read the fine print!
Worms
Worms are able to replicate themselves in different computers in the same network as the infected computer. Software backdoors, vulnerabilities in operating systems, and flash drives all provide opportunities for worms to gain access. Once a worm has gained access, it will replicate itself, spreading from device to device, with no action from the end user. These worms can then be used to initiate a DDoS attack, steal data, or give attackers control over the system.
Bots
Bots are hybrid forms of malware, often originating in spam messages, than can execute automated tasks through remote instruction. Many bots are used for legitimate purposes, but can also be appropriated for nefarious actions. A large set of these bots creates a botnet, a swarm of bots, attacking a number of systems in sync, making them capable of large-scale attacks.
Now what
- Understand the risks
- Educate yourself and employees on malware and prevention strategies
- Build your security stack
- Stay up to date on cyber criminal’s attack methods
- Contact PremierePC today
PPC is hiring!
The Technical Support Specialist is an entry level position which will assist in simple break-fix technology situations, onsite visits, drop off and issue diagnosis, and running remote optimizations and routines. Most importantly, we are looking for an individual who is eager to learn, highly customer-focused, patient, an effective communicator, and has a positive attitude. Excellent understanding of general and high-level concepts of PC computing and networking is required.
Education/Experience:
About PremierePC Technology Group:
We are a small business that provides managed IT services for other small businesses. We work closely with these clients to advise and help make sure all their technology needs are met. Developing and maintaining these relationships will be the key element of your job. PremierePC focuses on a culture of teamwork, learning and growing together toward the common goal of maximizing potential through technology.
Working Environment:
The majority of the team works from our physical Mauldin office. Several team members are also full-time work from home. WFH is offered to those that require it on an as needed basis. Ideally, the TSS would be a full-time physical resource.
Interested? Click here to learn more and apply.
What is Malware? Am I at Risk?
Unfortunately, malware is a hot topic these days. SMBs are a target for the bad guys, and your data could be at risk.
So let’s make sure we know what malware is, what forms it can take, and how to mitigate these risks.
Malware is a piece of software designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network of computers – this is the umbrella term for malicious software.
Virus
A computer virus modifies the system files of the host computer to execute malicious code and infect other files. This is the only form of malware that modifies other files on a computer. Viruses can be attached to emails and then downloaded by the end user.
Ransomware
This type of malware encrypts data in an information system and demands payment in exchange for regaining access. These types of attacks have increased drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, think 72% or more. However, many ransomware variants refuse to unencrypt data and some even delete the files after ransom is paid. Ransomware is often spread through spam emails.
Trojans
Spyware
Worms
Bots
Bots are hybrid forms of malware, often originating in spam messages, than can execute automated tasks through remote instruction. Many bots are used for legitimate purposes, but can also be appropriated for nefarious actions. A large set of these bots creates a botnet, a swarm of bots, attacking a number of systems in sync, making them capable of large-scale attacks.
GoTo: Switch a Call Between Devices
GoTo offers three ways to answer any call: the desktop app, mobile app, and the physical desk phone. This can be extremely convenient for you if you move around the office, take calls on the road, work remotely, etc. A useful feature many users are unaware of is the ability to switch active calls between devices.
Calls can be flipped that are active, waiting in queue, in the process of being transferred, or even calls that have not yet been answered.
Currently, there are no permission checks. Keep in mind if there are multiple active calls, you can’t pick which one flips.
GoToConnect Desktop
GoToConnect Mobile
Desk phone
Want another pro tip? When a colleague’s phone is ringing, you can pick up the call by dialing *97 from your phone then entering the colleague’s extension.
Google Workspace: merging Gmail, Chat, and Docs
Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, encompasses Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets, and Calendar.
Some new features will include:
Some of these changes will begin rolling out immediately, others coming in the next few months.
Ransomware and SMBs
So… what is ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files.
At the end of the process, the files cannot be decrypted without a mathematical key known only by the attacker.
The attacker then demands a ransom to release access to this data back to the victim.
And why are SMBs targeted?
Typically, these companies spend much less on securing their computing systems and information than larger firms.
This makes it easier for malicious actors to compromise their systems.
Attackers will also use extortion campaigns, duping victims to download ransomware malware or droppers that will infect the compromised machine with ransomware.
The top three vertical markets that are targeted include: healthcare, professional services, and financial institutions.
Got it. But how does PremierePC mitigate these risks?
PremierePC handles all IT related matters; think of us as your personal IT department.
We are well versed in how to educate clients, mitigate risks, and stay up to date on the latest developments in IT, including ransomware attacks.
We make sure there are no open RDP ports for brute force attacks.
We also keep your data backed up in the cloud. In the event of an attack, we can potentially access your data in the cloud without having to pay the ransom.
Contact PremierePC today to better understand your environment and increase your security stack.
New Year, New Resolution: Protect Against Cybercrime
The answer: a layered approach incorporating security software, a security driven IT support staff, and employee training.
PremierePC can check each of those boxes.
Cybercrime uses impersonation, fear, threats, lies, and other manipulation tactics to gain a victim’s trust or trick them to sharing sensitive data.
Impersonation in cybercrime is especially dangerous due to cybercriminals’ expert ability to hide in plain site and create legitimate-looking websites and emails.
Cybercriminals are also able to host malicious content on legitimate sites.
Phishing attempts are also able to, at times, slip through DNS and endpoint protection. This is where employee training is your last defense. Humans are consistently the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain of defense. Therefore, social engineering risks are far greater without a security driven IT support staff willing and able to train your employees.
Everyone, from receptionists to executives, are potential victims of an impersonator. In fact, help desk and call center employees are especially vulnerable because they are trained to be forthcoming with information.
OFFICE CLOSING: HAPPY NEW YEAR
OFFICE CLOSING: HOLIDAY HOURS
Compose Now, Send Later.
Eager to clean out your inbox but don’t want an influx of replies right before your week ends?
Microsoft Outlook offers delayed and scheduled email sending!
Delays can be applied to single messages or you can create rules to delay the delivery of all messages.
While composing a message, select the More options arrow from the Tags group in the Ribbon.
After you click Send, the message remains in the Outbox folder until the delivery time.
If you decide later that you want to send the message immediately, do the following:
Under Delivery options, clear the Do not deliver before check box.
Note: Outlook must be online and connected for this feature to work.
Contact PremierePC today to maximize your potential through technology.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Do not click on links in emails.
If you’re not sure of the sender, or you didn’t request the email, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, contact the company via their website or phone and ask for more information.
Beware of urgency.
Scammers will play on the fear of missing out on something, like a big holiday sale or a deadline for a bill. Resist any pressure to “act now.”
Watch for emails asking for private information.
Legitimate organizations will never request personal information via email. Do not email information such as passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.
Research the website.
Scammers are getting better at creating fake websites that look real. Do your research before submitting payment to any sites.
Know your Wi-Fi.
Using public Wi-Fi creates many potential areas for hackers to breach and grab your data or sensitive information. Do not make purchases using public Wi-Fi networks like coffee shops, libraries, hotels, etc.
Keep track of orders.
Scammers will send fake delivery failure notices or package tracking emails to sway you into clicking a link or submitting personal information. Always keep track of what you’ve ordered and who will be delivering it. If you receive one of these emails, call the delivery service or as your post office.