Stop Scammers Cold: Protect Your Business from the Gift Card Phishing Trap

Malware and ransomware are two types of bad software. They can damage your computer or steal your data. Downloading this harmful software comes with serious consequences. In 2024, there were more than 60 million new strains of malware found on the internet. This is why it’s critical to understand the difference between them. This article will help you understand both types of threats. What is Malware? Malware is a general term that means "malicious software." It includes many types of harmful programs. Depending on the type, malware can do different bad things to your computer. These are the four main types of malware: Viruses : These spread from one computer to another. Worms : They can copy themselves without your help. Trojans : They trick you into thinking they're good programs. Spyware : This type watches what you do on your computer. Malware can cause a lot of problems. If you get malware on your device, it can: Slow down your computer Delete your files Steal your personal info Use your computer to attack others What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware. It locks your files or your entire computer. Then it demands money to unlock them. It is a form of digital kidnapping of your data. Ransomware goes by a pretty basic pattern: 1. It infects your computer, normally through an e-mail or download. 2. It encrypts your files. This means it locks them with a secret code. 3. It displays a message. The message requests money to decrypt your files. 4. You may be provided with a key to unlock the files if you pay. In other cases, the attackers abscond with your money. As of 2024, the average ransom was $2.73 million . This is almost a $1 million increase from the previous year according to Sophos. There are primarily two types of ransomware: 1. Locker ransomware: This locks the whole computer. 2. Crypto ransomware: This only encrypts your files. How are Malware and Ransomware Different? The main difference between malware and ransomware is their goal. Malware wants to cause damage or steal info. Ransomware wants to get money from you directly. While malware wants to take your data, ransomware will lock your files and demand payment to unlock them. Their methods are also different. Malware works in secret and you may not know it’s there. Ransomware makes its presence known so the attackers can ask you for money. How Does It Get Onto Your Computer? Malware and ransomware can end up on your computer in many of the same ways. These include: Through email attachments Via phony websites Via a USB drive with an infection From using outdated software These are the most common methods, but new techniques are on the rise. Fileless malware was expected to grow 65% in 2024 , and AI-assisted malware may make up 20% of strains in 2025. If you get infected by malware or ransomware, it’s important to act quickly. You should know these signs of infection to protect yourself. For malware: Your computer is slow Strange pop-ups appear Programs crash often For ransomware: You can't open your files You see a ransom note on your screen Your desktop background changes to a warning How Can You Protect Yourself? You can take steps to stay safe from both malware and ransomware. First, here are some general safety tips for malware and ransomware: Keep your software up to date Use strong passwords Don't click on strange links or attachments Backup your files regularly For malware specifically, you can protect yourself by using anti-virus programs and being selective with what you download. To stay safe from ransomware, take offline backups of your files and use ransomware-specific protection tools. What to Do If You’re Attacked If you suspect that you have malware or ransomware, take action right away. For Malware: 1. Go offline 2. Run full anti-virus 3. Delete infected files 4. Change all your passwords For Ransomware: 1. Go offline 2. Don't pay the ransom (it may not work) 3. Report the attack to the police 4. Restore your files from a backup Why It Pays to Know the Difference Knowing the difference between malware and ransomware can help with better protection. This will help you respond in the best way when attacked. The more you know what you are against, the better your chance at taking the right steps to keep yourself safe. If you are under attack, knowing what type of threat it is helps you take quicker action. You can take proper steps towards rectifying the problem and keeping your data safe. Stay Safe in the Digital World  The digital world can be hazardous. But you can keep safe if you’re careful. Keep in mind the differences between malware and ransomware, and practice good safety habits daily. And, if you are in need of help to keep yourself safe on the internet, never hesitate to ask for assistance. For further information on ensuring that cybersecurity is at the forefront of your business, schedule a discovery call . We want to help keep you secure in the face of all types of cyber threats. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

In the rapidly evolving digital age, businesses of all sizes face an increasing array of cyber threats. These threats are becoming more sophisticated, making it essential for businesses to continually adapt their cybersecurity strategies. Cyber threats can manifest in many forms, including malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches, each capable of causing significant harm to an organization's reputation and bottom line. The impact of a cyber attack can be devastating, leading to financial losses, operational disruptions, and loss of customer trust. Understanding the variety and severity of these threats is the first step in crafting a robust defense. Businesses must stay informed about the latest trends in cybercrime and invest in proactive measures to safeguard their data and IT infrastructure. Additionally, as businesses increasingly adopt remote work practices and digital transactions, there is an added complexity to managing cybersecurity. These changes necessitate a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that addresses both infrastructure security and the human aspect—ensuring employees are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential threats.

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One click is all it takes for hackers to steal your company’s financial data. Cyber threats are evolving—don’t wait until it’s too late. Download our free report, 3 Surefire Signs Your IT Company Is Failing To Protect You From Ransomware, and book a quick 10-minute call to safeguard your business today!

Balancing Act: Security vs. Productivity in Your Office Finding the sweet spot between strong security and a productive workforce is a constant challenge. Too much freedom on your network is risky, but too many security roadblocks can kill productivity. It's a delicate balance, but achievable. Ignoring either security or productivity can be disastrous. A recent Microsoft report revealed a shocking statistic: only 22% of Azure Active Directory users have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. That leaves a huge number of businesses vulnerable to account breaches. Why the low adoption rate, especially when MFA is incredibly effective (99.9%) at stopping fraudulent logins? The biggest culprit is user inconvenience. MFA is often free to enable, but if employees complain that it's too cumbersome, companies may avoid it altogether. But sacrificing security for convenience can backfire big time. A data breach can lead to expensive downtime and even put smaller businesses out of commission. With 35% of breaches starting with compromised logins, neglecting your authentication process is a huge gamble. The good news is that you can have both security and productivity. It just requires smart solutions that improve authentication security without driving your team crazy. Solutions That Boost Security and Productivity Contextual Authentication: Smarter Security Not everyone needs the same level of security. Someone working in your office has a higher trust level than someone logging in from another country. Contextual authentication, used alongside MFA, lets you target high-risk logins. You can block access from certain regions, require extra verification after hours, or adjust security based on: Time of day Location Device used Time of last login Type of resource accessed This way, you can ramp up security when needed without inconveniencing users during normal work hours and locations. Single Sign-On (SSO): One Login, All Access The average employee uses 13 apps and switches between them 30 times a day! Imagine having to go through MFA for each login – talk about frustrating! SSO solves this by combining multiple app logins into one. Employees log in once, complete MFA, and then have access to everything. This significantly reduces MFA hassle and makes it much more palatable for users. Device Recognition: Automating Security Registering employee devices with an endpoint device manager automates some of your security, making it less of a burden on users. Once registered, you can set rules to automatically block unknown devices, scan for malware, and push automated updates. All of this happens behind the scenes, boosting security without impacting productivity. Role-Based Authentication: Tailored Access Not everyone needs access to the same information. Your shipping clerk doesn't need the same level of access as your accounting team. Role-based authentication lets you tailor access and security based on an employee's role. This simplifies account setup and automates permissions, saving time and improving security. Biometrics: Fast and Convenient Biometrics (fingerprint, facial, or retina scans) are one of the most convenient forms of authentication. They're fast, easy to use, and don't require users to remember complex passwords. While the hardware can be an investment, you can roll it out gradually, starting with your most sensitive roles. Many apps now include facial scanning, making it even more accessible. Need Help Finding the Right Balance? Don't sacrifice security because you're worried about user pushback. We can help you find the right solutions to improve your authentication security without compromising productivity. Contact us today for a free security consultation!