Various Malware Attack Vectors :

1. Virus – Malicious software/script hidden in an attached document that uses macros to execute its code and propagate. A virus will lay dormant after installation into your system. Once the file is accessed, the malicious code/script starts execution. They tamper with the functionality of your system and render your OS inoperable. Either way, computers infested with viruses may result in system failures and data loss.
2. Fileless Malware – Malware exploiting trustworthy applications to infiltrate a computer is known as fileless malware. It sneakily attacks the inbuilt applications, tools, and software in the operating system. It piggybacks on legit scripts and processes being executed only in RAM. Fileless malware is a memory-based attack. Therefore, it is hard to detect and remove as it doesn’t leave a trail.
3. Worms – Malware that rapidly replicates itself to all the systems connected within a network. By exploiting a security vulnerability in the OS or software, worms can replicate themselves without a host application. User intervention is not needed for it to function. Worms disrupt the functionality of the device and destroy data.
4. Ransomware – One of the most lucrative and, thus, most widely used types of malware among cybercriminals. It is a malware that gains access to sensitive data in your system, encrypts it rendering it inaccessible to the user, and then demands a ransom to decrypt the files.
5. Adware – This malware tracks how you use your computer so it can show you relevant pop-up windows or blinking adverts from adware applications. While adware is not always harmful, it can sometimes mess with your system. It reroutes your browser to unsafe websites and even includes Spyware and Trojans. A substantial amount of adware can also dramatically slow down your system. It is crucial to have security measures that continuously and intelligently monitor such programs.
6. Trojans – They impersonate themselves as genuine software to lure users into downloading and running them. Once operable, the Trojan virus can access private information and change, block, or destroy data, crash a device, track activities, or even deploy attacks. The device performance is severely affected.
7. Spyware – This type of malware operates covertly on a computer and sending information to a remote user. It allows a remote user to monitor all the forms of communication on the targeted device rather than just interfering with device functionality. Spyware steals personal or financial data. Keyloggers are a particular kind of spyware that track your keystrokes and leak passwords and other private data.
8. Scareware – Cybercriminals manipulate users by scaring them. Users tend to believe their computers or devices are under attack, thus, persuading them to download or even buy a bogus application. While browsing the web, the warning states, “Caution: Your computer is compromised!” or “You have malware!” in a typical scareware scam. Cybercriminals scare users into buying fraudulent software using these dubious advertising techniques, thus, the name Scareware.

Let’s see how Malware Work : Malware infects a computer by manipulating users to click on or install a program from the malicious web. Without the users’ explicit knowledge, the installation happens, and malicious code begins to execute actions. Several user activities can cause execution to commence, but the most frequent trigger is a click, usually on a link or pop-up. The descriptions may contain aggressive language like, “You have Won! Claim Your Prize!” or, “Your account is compromised. Log in now to check on recent changes!” Upon clicking, a pop-up will appear, such as, “Your Computer has a Virus! For a Quick Scan, Click Here!”. While the user chooses none of the options and instead tries to close the program using the corner button X, the subsequent click frequently starts the download of a dangerous payload. The following may reflect because of the malicious code execution:

• Different parts of the file system start self-replication.
• Applications are installed those record keystrokes without the users’ knowledge while slowing the system down significantly.
• Block access to files, programs, or systems and even demand the user to make a payment to regain access.
• Saturate your desktop or browser with advertisements. Each time the page loads, random ads pop up within seconds.
• Such ads also pop up while the user stays offline.
• Too many website redirections making the user visit harmful pages.
• Control Panel on the Windows system is inaccessible.
• Damage a device’s critical system components and leave it inoperable.

Wrap Up: Malware operates covertly in the background. All malware is not the same as ransomware. It is mandatory to have strong defenses against malware to detect any breaches and have a significant visibility. It requires constant watch of all data assets connected to organizations network onsite or remote. It is necessary to be proactive and reactive as soon as the threat is recognized. Organizations need to have latest endpoint protection software, an active next generation firewall, effective email & web security protection along with a strong organizational security policy. Conducting regular user awareness programs for employees is also must.   ABOUT SNS Secure Network Solutions (SNS) provides a quantifiable, risk-based approach to building a global structure of cybersecurity infrastructure based on internationally recognized frameworks and practices. We have been providing services and catering to clients across industries for the last 22 years. Write to us at [email protected] or visit us at www.snsin.com.