Technology

4 common computer viruses that can throw your business off track

A malicious email link can open a Pandora’s box of trouble for your business.

Here are the most common computer viruses to avoid at all costs.

computer viruses

Technology has made it easier than ever to do business. Unfortunately, that also comes with risks. You are also exposing yourself to hackers who will try anything to infect your computer systems to corrupt and steal your data. Although with the help of professional computer support problem can be stopped and resolved.

The 2018 FBI internet crime report found that internet crime is at an all-time high. You can’t protect yourself or your business if you don’t know the threats that are out there. This post will help you understand what’s you need to watch out for.

Below are four of the most common computer viruses that you need to protect your company against.

1. Adware

While adware isn’t as malicious as other types of computer viruses, it can still be annoying to deal with. Adware is often bundled with software packages that get paid for including it in their software.

When adware gets installed on a computer, the computer user will get advertisements on their computer as they use it throughout the day. Other types of adware will also collect data and sell it to the highest bidder.

2. Trojan

Trojans are a type of virus that will disguise itself as a regular program. Attackers will put out fake programs that appear to be virus protection software, image editing software, text editors, and anything else you can think of.

Once someone executes the installer, the trojan will infect the computer. Once installed, the trojan has access to all files on the system. Your data can be monitored and uploaded for the attacker to see.

3. Rootkit

A rootkit is a more malicious type of virus. It doesn’t stop at watching the files on your system. Once installed, it can install and modify your software.

Even worse, rootkits can be hard to detect. Regular virus protection programs have a hard time identifying them because they hide deep in your computer’s operating system.

Rootkits work by taking advantage of software and operating system vulnerabilities. Making sure your computers are up to date and regularly patched is one of the best ways to stop a rootkit attack from succeeding.

4. Ransomware

Not all viruses are out there to steal your data or destroy it. Some viruses will hold your files hostage.

Ransomware is an attack which encrypts all the files on your company network. When you attempt to open a file, you’ll receive a pop-up that asks for a ransom. Most ransomware will want you to make the payment with cryptocurrency.

The typical ransomware attack starts with a file download and spreads through the network as a regular computer worm spreads.

Make sure to learn more about ransomware so you can stop it from spreading on your company network.

Make sure you know these common computer viruses

Technology has made it easier than ever to do business. Unfortunately, that also comes with risks. You are also exposing yourself to hackers who will try anything to infect your computer systems to corrupt and steal your data.

When you know the common computer viruses out there, you can better protect yourself from these threats.

Once you secure your business from these threats, you can focus on integrating more tech into your business. Head to our technology section to learn about the latest technology trends.