The collective term “malware” (a portmanteau of “malicious” and “software”) or malicious software refers to computer programs that have been deliberately written to perform unwanted and often harmful functions. These include viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, trojans, scareware, adware and fileless malware.
Attackers use these programs to gain unauthorized access to confidential data, to steal banking or financial information, to infect computers or to take devices, data or entire networks hostage.
Malware is spread via phishing e-mails or e-mail attachments, security vulnerabilities in a system, social engineering, infected removable storage media such as USB sticks and external hard disks, fake software installations, but also with malicious links in text messages.
Once a device is infected, it usually shows up as the computer slowing down. Warnings or pop-up ads often appear. But problems starting up or shutting down the computer can also be signs of a malware infection, or browser redirects to websites that you didn’t want to visit. But there is also malware that works undetected in the background without being noticed.
You can protect yourself by using antivirus software, firewalls or even special platforms such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) or SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation and Response). Above all, however, heightened awareness is the best protection. It may be gained through dedicated training, the introduction of security guidelines, emergency plans and backups.
