The use of the internet is increasing every day. The electronic devices that we use (tablets, PCs, smartphones, etc.) are actually constantly connected to the Internet and accompany us both professionally and privately.
Due to the more frequent use and the increasing dependence on the Internet, the interest of criminals in these devices is increasing.
The main focus is on stealing information (passwords and bank details), as well
as techniques that use your device to harm other people.
WHAT IS MALWARE
So we are often disturbed by “malware”. Malware is the
collective term for malware and
includes viruses and spyware. Spyware, on the other hand, is mostly hidden
software that has been programmed solely to spy on you. The software is
supposed to transmit your credit card numbers and bank details or passwords to
the programmers.
The typical route of infection is actually visiting an infected
website or unknowingly starting an infected program. This can simply be an
email attachment.
COMPUTER VIRUSES REPRODUCE THEMSELVES
Computer viruses can usually reproduce themselves. As a
result, they are transferred from one computer to another. This is a great
danger, especially in a company. The malicious programs manage this
transfer in various ways: USB hard drives, USB sticks, the Internet, or the
local network. The software on the target system is attacked and can be
damaged.
It is often still believed that viruses can also damage hardware
- i.e. the PC as such. But this is not possible. It's just about the
software.
If you take it exactly, one hundred percent protection is not
possible. But there are a few things you should keep in mind to make it
more difficult for attackers to infect your system.
The following points minimize the risk of a malware infection:
1. COMMON SENSE AGAINST MALWARE
Just make sure for yourself which programs you click on and
whether the attachment to the email is really what you think. Does a
business partner suddenly send you strange files, the meaning of which is not
immediately recognizable? In no case click on it! Call the sender and
ask him if the file came from him.
You should also only click on links in emails or on websites if
you are sure that these links are correct. Is something strange to you? Ask
your administrator or IT manager.
2. PROTECT YOUR DEVICE WITH ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
Nowadays it is a matter of course: every device on the Internet
should have a virus scanner. Even a Free Antivirus with up-to-date signatures and
advanced layer protection is good. Ask your administrator if you are unsure. Companies will
usually have a central system with which the proper function is monitored.
3. THINK ABOUT FIREWALLS
A firewall can also scan web traffic and
emails. So you have control of the data directly at the "door"
at which the data reaches your company or your network.
4. UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE
The manufacturers of your software regularly plug any security
gaps they find with so-called patches. One example is the Windows
operating system from Microsoft, which receives security-related updates at
least once a month. These should definitely be imported. There are
also automatic mechanisms for this for the entire company network. Because
there are quite a few stumbling blocks when importing. You can also ask
your administrator or IT service here whether the updates are
regularly installed on the PCs and servers. It is very important.
SUMMARY
There is certainly more to consider, but if you keep the 4
points above in mind, you have already done quite a lot to prevent malware from
entering. Unfortunately, experience shows that many companies do not take
these points seriously until a virus outbreak occurs.
Imagine what it means to your business if you cannot work for a
few days because all of your computers and servers have to be reinstalled. The
effort is huge.
Or what does it mean if your customer database is suddenly on
the Internet?
We would be happy to help you operate your IT systems securely and in a stable manner over the long term. This is our main focus and we have developed many best practices over the years.
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