For as long as there have been computers, there have been hackers. And as soon as a hacker or scam is identified, a newer, more dangerous one pops up. So, it’s no surprise that yet another wave of cyber attacks is targeting businesses.
The most common types of cyber crime are malware, phishing, vishing and SMiShing, and the primary threat is malicious software that infects a computer. When it has done so, the malware has the ability to alter the user’s online browsing session and simulate the user logon and transaction activity with any of that person’s online banking portals and related applications, says Matthew J. Zeck, VP, CTP, a treasury management sales manager with Fifth Third Bank.
“You used to have to click on a link to be exposed; now, hackers are going through the back door and you don’t even know about it,” says Zeck. “These cyber criminals keep evolving and growing.”
Anti-virus and anti-malware software can offer protection if you keep these programs up to date and regularly run scans. A firewall can also help prevent your computer from being infected.
If your company has one or more Internet sites, says Zeck, it’s a good idea to incorporate intrusion detection and vulnerability management, and to ensure that your employees cannot override or circumvent security software. Implement a policy of updating your operating system and security software on all computers, and assign someone the responsibility for seeing that this is done regularly.
Smart Business spoke with Zeck about how to identify cyber crimes and how to protect your business against them.
How can you tell if your computer has malware running on it?
Malware, or ‘malicious software,’ is designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s knowledge or informed consent. Examples of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and other malicious software.
By design, malware is difficult to detect. In most cases, the creator of the malware program does not want the victim to know that the malware exists. Each piece of malware is somewhat different, which makes it difficult to make a list of definite signs.
But some signs that indicate your computer may be infected include:
- Additional toolbars added to your Web browser that you did not authorize.
- Pop-up windows that advertise services that you did not request.
- Unusual windows that show up and possibly go away when you start your computer or are browsing the Internet.
- Unusual links showing up in Web pages where there are not usually links. These links will probably lead to Web pages advertising some service.
- An unusual slowdown in your computer’s performance.
- The appearance of unexpected programs in your computer’s startup folder.