How to Keep Viruses from Hurting Your Chances of Success

Every year, new malware, ransomware, and general cyber-nonsense emerge from the depths of the internet, evolving like a villain in a sci-fi movie. One moment, you’re minding your own business, and the next, your company’s data is held hostage and someone is demanding you pay them in Bitcoin.

Just because hackers are constantly upping their game doesn’t mean your business has to be an easy target. Let’s take a look at what threats are actively targeting businesses and how you can fight back.

The Newest Malware Trends

Let’s take a look at some of the newest trends in malware.

• AI-Powered Malware - Because regular old viruses weren’t terrifying enough, hackers have decided to use artificial intelligence to make their attacks smarter. These nasties learn from security measures and adjust their attacks accordingly, like a villain in a movie that just won’t die.
• Ransomware-as-a-Service - Hackers are now letting any random Internet troll launch an attack without needing any coding skills. 
• Zero-Day Attacks - Hackers discover security holes in software before developers can fix them, making sure your business is playing defense with a blindfold on. These attacks can be sudden, devastating, and about as welcome as a surprise IRS audit.
• Fileless Malware - Instead of hiding in a shady email attachment, this malware sneaks into your system by exploiting legitimate processes, making it hard to detect.

How to Keep Your Business Safe

There are several actions you can take to keep your business secure. They include:

Update Like Your Life Depends on It

Software updates might feel like annoying interruptions, but they patch security holes before hackers can exploit them. So, the next time your computer suggests an update, just update and don’t delay.

Get a Good Antivirus

An enterprise-grade, centralized antivirus is your digital bodyguard. Let it do its job, keep it updated, and don’t ignore its warnings just because it’s inconvenient.

Train Your Team

Your employees might be your greatest asset, but they’re also your biggest security risk. One careless click on a sketchy email, and suddenly your entire system is compromised. Invest in regular cybersecurity training so the new guy in accounting doesn’t accidentally invite hackers in.

Back Up Everything, All the Time

If ransomware hits, you have two choices: Pay the hackers or restore your data from a backup like a boss. Guess which one is cheaper? 

Use Multi-Factor Authentication 

If a hacker somehow gets your password, MFA is the second wall of defense that keeps them out.

Don’t Be an Easy Target

Hackers love low-hanging fruit. If your business has weak security, you’re basically leaving your digital doors wide open to attack or corruption. Ultimately, the best way to deal with cybercriminals is to make sure they never get in at all.

If you would like to learn how the IT professionals at SMART Services can help you improve your company’s security, give us a call today at 586 258-0650 .