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

Introducing Google Workspace

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, encompasses Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets, and Calendar.

Some new features will include:

• Google has added a new “Business Plus” level with more device management features.
• A Chat window can spawn a new document for everybody in the group without needing a new tab.
• In Google Docs, you can immediately start a video call in the same window for everyone who is active in the document.
• Google Workspace apps will let users bring up small previews of other documents embedded in the thing they’re working on.
• Google will expand the use of smart chips, little contact cards that can pop up when you @-mention somebody in a document.
• Create a doc directly from a chat window.
• Start a video call from within a presentation.

Some of these changes will begin rolling out immediately, others coming in the next few months. 

Click here and access the Google Workspace Admin help center to learn more.

2020 brought many surprises and changes. One of which shifted many in-office employees to start unexpectedly working from home.

In 2020, 88% of the organizations, worldwide, made it mandatory or encouraged their employees to work from home after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.

This flexibility is great to continue business operations. However, it brings about serious holes in security unless you are fully prepared.

So what can an MSP like PremierePC do to help boost security and mitigate threats for work from home employees?

1. Secure VPNs – this can ensure employees are utilizing the same security tools that are available in the office, mitigating cybersecurity threats and data breaches.
2. Network segmentation for home networks –  this allows for multiple individual networks under a single network, simplifying security policies if done correctly.
3. Remote endpoint incident management – this allows technicians to access remote laptops and deploy patches remotely.
4. Maintain the latest software updates – software vulnerabilities, security loopholes found in programs and operating systems, are typically revealed as they are solved in the latest version. If not updated, programs and operating systems are easy targets for the bad guys.
5. Educate on phishing attempts – hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities and weak points to take advantage of. An MSP like PremierePC can provide continuing education and phishing training to employees to mitigate these threats.

We know this can be very overwhelming for someone who is trying to focus on actually running their business. PremierePC is here to help! Contact us today.