A lot has changed from the days of actual viruses and worms spreading their way through networks. There has been a constant rise of spyware and adware that slows your computer to a crawl with pop-up ads and toolbars, to the calamity of encrypting ransomware.
However, as much as things have changed, the methods of distribution have remained fairly constant. The majority of Malware we see is distributed through some form of social engineering. Whilst there seems to be no shortage of zero-day exploits being used, many of the exploits used to install Malware have been patched for a long time. We see infections that use exploits that were patched years ago on a regular basis. Social engineering has certainly become more advanced, but Users continue to click on malicious links or attachments in email messages.
How can I prevent computer viruses?
Take these steps to protect your computer security against viruses: –
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Use anti-virus protection and a Firewall
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Update your Operating System regularly
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Increase your browser security settings
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Avoid questionable Web sites
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Only download software from sites you trust
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Practice safe email protocol throughout your business
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Ensure your employees don’t open messages from unknown senders
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Immediately delete messages you suspect to be spam
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Avoid free software and file-sharing applications
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Get anti-spyware software protection
So whilst the types of threats out there are changing, they essentially are staying the same which fortunately allows the potential victim to take similar approaches to rectifying the attack and staying safe online.
As always, it is best to stay updated with newest trends in security, but always remember the core foundation of staying safe online.
Other articles which may be of interest:
6 of the Worst – http://www.amshire.co.uk/news/58/6-of-the-worst.html
When the Hacker wins – http://www.amshire.co.uk/news/57/when-the-hacker-wins.html
The Cybermenace – http://www.amshire.co.uk/news/54/the-cyber-menace.html
