Types of Malware, How it Exploits Vulnerabilities and Steps to Stay Safe

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Hikvision: Ways to Protect Yourself from Vulnerabilities & Stay Safe Online

Cybersecurity Insiders identified types of malware, how each exploits vulnerabilities, and outlined steps to protect yourself in the article, “The Most Common Types of Malware in 2021.”

The article begins by defining what malware is: “Malware, a combination of the terms ‘malicious’ and ‘software,’ includes all malicious programs that intend to exploit computer devices or entire network infrastructures to extract victim’s data, disrupt business operations, or simply, cause chaos. There’s no definitive method or technique that defines malware; any program that harms the computer or system owners and benefits the perpetrators is malware. Malware usually exploits unpatched software vulnerabilities to compromise an endpoint device and gain a foothold in an organization’s internal network.”

A few warning signs that your computer might be infected with malware include a frozen computer screen, pop-up advertisements appearing out of nowhere, and a web browser that redirects you to unknown websites.

Some of the most common types of malware include:

Ransomware: Cyber threat actors will use ransomware to gain access to files and encrypt the data. To retrieve your information, cybercriminals demand a ransom payment in exchange for a key to get your data back. Read this Hikvision article about ransomware to learn more.
Trojan Horse: This is a malware program that presents itself as a legitimate software. Once downloaded, “it can create a backdoor to bypass firewalls and security software to give remote access to unauthorized users who can steal data and control the computer system,” according to the article.
Botnets: This is a network of internet-connected computers that carries out various cyberattacks. Once it infects a computer it can be used for spamming email campaigns and to infect other computers.

Learn ways to protect yourself from vulnerabilities and boost cybersecurity in this Hikvision blog: “Protecting Yourself Online.”

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Types of Malware, How it Exploits Vulnerabilities and Steps to Stay Safe

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