Malware Detection

What is Malware Detection

Malware detection is important in today’s cybersecurity as malware is software that is created to gain access, disrupt processes or cause damage to information systems. There are many types of malware including worms, viruses, trojan horses, ransomware, spam, and many others. Malware is malicious software that is not always created to be known immediately and often takes a period of time to infect the system. It is vital that malware detection is implemented on information security systems to ensure that any malicious software is quickly quarantined and removed from the information system to stop the spread to other computers or parts of the network.

Malware detection ensures that organizations are able to continue to protect their information systems from hackers stealing information, encrypting data, deleting data, changing core functions, or spying on computer activities. Not all malware disables the use of a computer, some malware collects information and others find vulnerabilities in a company’s network.

What are the Dangers of Malware

Malware can cause computers to slow down, show ads, crash, loss of disk space, changes in settings, disabling antivirus, or loss of access to files.

The best method to use good cyber hygiene is to use an antimalware solution that protects your computer from malware and if malware is detected places it in quarantine and either automatically cleans it from your system or prompts a manual cleanup.

How to Prevent Malware

Malware can be prevented by training users to have good cyber hygiene as malware can be found on hacked websites that appear legitimate, located in malicious ads, downloaded with files, installing programs, opening attachments that are malicious, or clicking on links that are fake.

When users are trained to pay attention to changes and not to open emails and attachments that they were not expecting the vulnerability of malware is decreased, however, the attackers continuously improve their delivery methods from using invisible buttons near a legitimate button to placing malware in legitimate websites.

Keeping information systems up-to-date and implementing an antimalware solution is key to preventing malware from infecting an entire company’s network. Users need training and awareness while having the ability to take action if they do notice changes in their computer or phone that may be associated with malware.

Malware training campaigns are efficient in allowing users to better understand the delivery methods of malware in a safe environment. Phishing emails are becoming more and more common and training users to recognize small changes to email addresses or verifying links creates a strong presence of cyber hygiene in the workplace to prevent malware.