VoIP Shield

A brief look at the history of malware shows us that this harmful threat has followed us since the beginning of the computer itself. According to Scientific American, the idea of a computer virus dates back to 1949, when early computer scientist John von Neumann wrote “The Theory and Organization of Complex Automata,” an article that assumes how a computer program could reproduce. In the 1950s, Bell Labs employees revived von Neumann’s idea when they created a game called “Core Wars.” In the game, programmers released software “organisms” that competed to control the computer.

The earliest documented viruses began to appear in the early 1970s. Historians are often the first to use “Creeper Worm,” an experimental self-replication program written by Bob Thomas of BBN Technologies. Creeper had access to ARPANEST and copied himself to external systems, where it showed the message: “I’m an indexer, take me if you can!”

But the term “virus” wasn’t introduced until the mid-1980s. Fred Cohen, often considered a computer virus, made the term in a doctoral thesis in 1986. In one sentence, he defined “virus” as follows: “A program that can infect other programs by modifying them to include a potentially advanced version of itself.”

From this simple and benevolent platform came a massive and diabolical industry. Today, according to the Anti-Phishing Task Force, malware has infected a third of the world’s computers. The consequences are astonishing. Cybersecurity Ventures reports that losses from cybercrime, including malware, are expected to reach $6 trillion a year by 2021.

In this post, we will briefly review the history of malware and how it evolved and affected the world. For a closer look at different types of malware, see the Lastlines Malware Types and Ratings blog.

History of malware – First years

Early malware was primitive and often spread completely offline on floppy disks carried by human-handers from computer to computer. As networks and the Internet mature, malware makers quickly adapt malware and take advantage of new communications media.

The earliest documented viruses began to appear in the early 1970s. Historians are often the first to use “Creeper Worm,” an experimental self-replication program written by Bob Thomas of BBN Technologies. Creeper had access to ARPANEST and copied himself to external systems, where it showed the message: “I’m an indexer, take me if you can!”

But the term “virus” wasn’t introduced until the mid-1980s. Fred Cohen, often considered a computer virus, concurred with the term in his doctoral thesis in 1986. In one sentence, he defined “virus” as follows: “A program that can infect other programs by modifying them to include a potentially advanced version of itself.”

From this simple and benevolent platform came a massive and diabolical industry. Today, according to the Anti-Phishing Task Force, malware has infected a third of the world’s computers. The consequences are astonishing. Cybersecurity Ventures reports that losses from cybercrime, including malware, are expected to reach $6 trillion a year by 2021.

In this post, we will briefly review the history of malware and how it evolved and affected the world. For a closer look at different types of malware, see the Lastlines Malware Types and Ratings blog.

History of malware – First years

Early malware was primitive and often spread completely offline on floppy disks carried by human-handers from computer to computer. As networks and the Internet mature, malware makers quickly adapt malware and take advantage of new communications media.

History of malware – Toolkits and amazing infection prices

Between 2000 and 2010, malware increased significantly in both the number and number of bouncy infections. At the turn of the millennium, internet and email esmads made headlines around the world. Later, we saw a dramatic increase in malware toolkits, including the now infamous Sony rootkit, which was essential for malware makers, including rootkits in most modern malware. Crimeware packages specifically aimed at websites also grew in popularity, and the number of compromised websites increased accordingly. SQL injection attacks became a leading threat and require popular victims such as IKEA. See jammin jars by casumo to get to learn more.

Windows 10 has a Windows Remote Desktop feature that allows you (or others!) Connect remotely to your computer through a network connection. Remote access allows anyone to control everything on your computer as if they were directly connected to it.

Unfortunately, hackers can take advantage of Windows Remote Desktop. In more than one cyberattack, criminals have gained access to manage external systems, installed malware, or stolen databases that are full of personal information.

This feature is disabled by default. Once activated, it will be easy for you to turn it off again. You want to keep the remote access feature disabled unless you are actively using it.

Enable or install antivirus tools.

You can block viruses and malware with the built-in tools in Windows 10. You can also install multiple antivirus programs if you need to (we have some of our favorites on securicy’s Marketplace).

Enterprise versions of Windows 10 include Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, a security platform that monitors endpoints, such as Microsoft’s SmartScreen technology, another built-in feature that controls downloads and prevents malicious people from running.

Enable automatic updates for the operating system.
Install critical security updates immediately. Some security updates are important updates that protect you from new types of malware or cyberattacks.

Your organization may also have a security policy for updating the operating system. You can see if you’re installing updates directly or if your IT team tells you when updates are installed. Depending on your business, your IT team may be responsible for updating your operating system.

Ultimately, it does not skip operating system updates for critical security updates. (Even if you’ve heard of a design change, you don’t like it.) Microsoft keeps it relatively easy by configuring two types of updates: quality updates, feature updates. They also long kept a schedule of updates known in the IT world as Patch on Tuesday.

If your business is running on an older version of Windows? Be sure to upgrade your operating system before they become a security workshop. Support for Windows 7 expires in January 2020, meaning anyone still using it (or an older operating system!) New malware or virus scenes are at risk.

Enable encryption.

BitLocker is Microsoft’s own disk encryption program that is included with Windows 10. Encryption is a security technology that can sound daunting, but in this case it is as simple as clicking “Enable Bitlocker”. Bitlocker has set a password, gives you a recovery key, and shows you the “Encrypt entire device” option.

Bitlocker data encryption is free and you don’t need to install anything. Encryption encrypts your data so that only authorized users with your password can view, copy, or make changes. If your encrypted data were stolen, it would be useless. Encryption of the entire device also protects against unauthorized changes to the system, such as firmware-level malware.

Encryption is a method often included in the company’s security principles, including Securicy’s enterprise infosec program.

How can you harden your computer?

If you are improving your Windows 10 PC, configure security settings. This reduces the chances of viruses, hackers, ransomware, or other types of cyber attacks. You can use the wizard to use antivirus tools, turn off automatic logon, turn off remote access, set up encryption, and more.

You can think about the security of your computer (with all your personal, financial, or business information) just as you would think about the security of your house. Hardening your computer is like closing the doors and checking the locks. It’s harder for hackers to break in.

Safety Method Tip Guide

Disable automatic login in Windows 10.

This is one of the first settings that you need to change or check on your computer.

The first time you set up a new Windows 10-based computer, you create a user account. By default, your new account is set up to sign in automatically at startup. If you are at home all the time or do not have access to sensitive data, this may not be a problem. However, it can pose a serious security risk if someone can open your computer and then immediately access your data and business systems. This is especially important if you travel with a laptop and take it with you to places like a café, airport or open cooperation areas. Depending on your company’s safety policy, this can also be required by your employer. It is easy to disable, so in a few steps you can turn off automatic login. Get the steps here: How to disable auto-login in Windows 10

Bonus tip: If you’re traveling with a laptop or working in public places, you might want to get some privacy. They can make the screen look dark to prevent a criminal from “surfing on your shoulder” and looking at your private information. Privacy screens can also reduce glare and ease screen eyes, another reason to get one.

Use the screen saver to enter a password.

No one in your office, home or destination needs access to your system if you walk away for a few minutes. It is a good idea to make sure that your computer locks automatically after a certain period of inactivity.

Although it is actually a security setting, you can find it in the Appearance and Customization section of Control Panel. To enable this, adjust the screen saver settings. It’s easy to choose when to show the screen saver, set the screen saver, and turn on the setting that takes you back to the sign-in screen when you return. Security begins by following basic protocols. So, be sure to protect your computer with a password.

Turn on firewall.

In the latest versions of Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, the firewall is turned on by default. Simple enough! You must be ready here. However, checking the settings does not prevent the firewall from shutting down. Windows Firewall is a built-in network security system. It is designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network or from a private network. Network firewalls are often used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks that are connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages that go inside or outside the intranet go through a firewall that scans each message and blocks anyone who does not meet the specified security conditions.

The internet is a great place with endless banking entertaining and informative websites. However, falling victim to so-called “computer viruses” – malware, ransomware, and cryoviruses – can be surprisingly easy.

Viruses and hackers are constantly evolving their methods to get your data, but the good news is that there is much you can do to keep your system safe. Here are the 5 top tips to prevent you from falling victim to computer viruses.

Install antivirus/malware.

It speaks for itself. The use of antivirus software is an obstacle to the system. There are many antivirus options that are very cheap, if not free; However, it may be a good idea to invest in something a little heavier if you receive a lot of email or spend most of your time on the Internet. Keep in mind that the cost of installing antivirus software is less than the cost of removing the virus and the working hours needed to recover lost data.

Make sure the connection is secure.

Use a browser with the latest security protocols, such as <a0>Windows</a0> Or <a1>Windows</a1> Or <a2>Windows</a2> Chrome or Safari, to browse the web and make sure that all the websites you visit are safe. Most browsers warn you if you go to a website that is not secure and allows you to continue. If you are suspicious at all, the best option is to press the back button.

Another good way to check for a secure connection is to find the lock-shaped icon just before the BROWSER WINDOW URL. Secure websites also always start with “https://.” S is critical. Sites that start only with “http://” are not protected.

Think before clicking

We have all been exposed to phishing emails. Thank God when that happens, we have antivirus software that grabs something harmful. If you receive an email that seems suspicious, the safest option is simply to delete it without opening it. However, if you notice that something isn’t turned off until you open the email, don’t click any of the links included in the message. Hopefully, spam filters intercept all phishing emails before you see them, but always be sure to check the sender’s address, especially in emails asking for personal information or passwords. These messages are almost always phishing emails.

Keep the system up to date

When your operating system or computer programs tell you it’s time to perform an update, do so. Systems in the latest software are less susceptible to malware, ransomware and cryptoviruses.

Often backups. If all else fails, you can save data by backing up your system regularly (at least once a week) if you happen to fall victim to a computer virus. Be sure to save the backups to an external hard drive or cloud service. If you’re using an external hard drive or flash drive, keep multiple copies of your backups in different locations (such as in the office, one at home, and one in the lock box) so they don’t affect them and are easily accessible if you ever need them. If you want to use the cloud service, you can use one that allows version data (you can use multiple versions of your data from specific dates and times) instead of replacing existing backups with the latest version.

Start sector virus

Viruses in the boot sector became popular because computer startup floppy disks are used. The widespread use of the Internet and the death of the flop have intensified other methods of spreading the virus.

Browser Scanner

This type of virus, which can spread in many ways, including voluntary downloading, effectively hijacks certain browser features, usually in the form of automatic redirection of the user to certain websites. It is generally assumed that the purpose of this tactic is to increase revenue from online advertising.

Direct action virus

Unlike most, this type of virus only takes effect when the file that contains the virus runs. The payload is delivered and then the virus is basically dormant – it does not take any other action unless the infected file is re-run.

Most viruses do not use a direct method of reproduction just because they are not productive, but these types of viruses have done damage in the past.

File infection virus

Perhaps the most common type of virus, file infection takes root in the host file, and then starts working while the file is running. The virus can overwrite the infected file or only part of the file, or replace the file again so that the virus works instead of the program that the user intends. Macro viruses are viruses that use the macro programming language of an application to self-implement. Typical macro virus infected people are MS Word and MS Excel documents that spread to other similar documents.

Multi-part virus

Although some viruses prefer to spread by one method or deliver one payload, the viruses in several batches have it all. This type of virus can spread in several ways, and it can perform various actions on an infected computer, depending on variables such as the installed operating system or specific files.

Polymorphic virus

The polymorphic virus not only replicates by creating multiple files itself, but it also changes its digital signature every time it is replicated. Make it harder to detect less advanced antivirus software.

The aim of this trick is avoidance. Antivirus software uses the code you use frequently to detect viruses. If you hide or change the virus code, you can avoid detection. This extensive virus definition applies to all viruses that enter system memory. It can then do any number of actions and perform regardless of the file that was originally infected.

The ground virus is directly comparable to a payload virus that cannot access the system’s memory, so it only intervenes when the infected file is run. Many websites use complex code to provide interesting content. For example, to watch an online video in a browser, you need to run a specific encoding language that provides both the video itself and the player interface.

Of course, this code can sometimes be exploited, allowing the virus to infect your computer or take action on a computer through a website. Although malicious websites are sometimes created with deliberately infected code, there are many such cases of virus caused by the addition of code to the website without the knowledge of the web manager.

Trojan Horse Virus

The Trojan virus is one of the most common and destructive computer viruses that appear to have a useful feature. It’s different from a common computer virus because Trojan horse viruses don’t replicate themselves. One of the most insidious trojan horse types is a program that claims to free your computer from viruses, but instead brings viruses to your computer. Trojan viruses can also create a backdoor on your computer that allows malicious users to access your computer, which can damage confidential or personal information. Worm is a malware that can make copies of it itself, it is designed to spread through computer networks. It is one of the most dangerous forms of computer viruses. It can be found mainly in spam attachments or messages with executable scripts. The worm is also known as malware.

Traveling is such fun. Even work trips can be exciting if you love your job and your accommodation is nice. But one thing that stresses everybody out is having to keep their laptops and other gadgets safe during this time. A laptop with work information, for example, can be extremely stressful to look after.

Not to mention the fact that, at times, you have to work and you expose yourself and the valuable data. Here are some of the gadgets you could use to keep your laptop safe during travel.

A little forward thinking never hurt anybody, and while these preparations may seem to take up more time, you will come to understand that safety is more important than anything.

TOP 5 GADGETS THAT KEEP YOUR LAPTOP SAFE WHILE TRAVELING

1. A USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Your computer is more vulnerable when you connect to random Wi-Fi networks. And since little can be done nowadays without a good Internet connection, it goes without saying that you will have to go online at some point. Therefore, in order to keep safe, it would be best to get a USB Wi-Fi Adapter. It can be purchased before you travel and you can even check your own data provider’s offer for these devices.

This will be particularly useful when traveling to a country known for cybernetic attacks. Some of them can mimic the Wi-Fi connection in a location and can gain access to your computer, to your personal and work data.

2. A burner

Sometimes, the best way to keep your laptop safe is to leave it at home. This way, you can buy a cheap, second hand laptop you would not cry over when lost. If you are going on a business trip, you can only keep the necessary information at hand and you will have something to work on. Should you need some more information from your other computer, you can always ask a trusted person to send you an email with shared documents or files from your personal laptop.

Although it is not a security device per se, in the sense that it does not have a function that protects your laptop when turned on or attached, having a spare laptop can actually save you the headache of losing important data. And this stress-free situation can even be more valuable than the fact that you have easy access to some information.

3. A device tracker

This is not a gadget per se, but a software you install on your gadgets to find them. They are a great investment for moments when you are simply stressing about not being able to locate your laptop and it has only been misplaced, and moments when your laptop has actually been stolen.

Depending on the type of system you are getting, it can either locate your device or completely delete everything on it. Technically, this service is good for when the damage has been done and you need to do some damage management.

A Kensington lock

You might have seen some people leaving their laptops on desks like other people leave their bikes: secured with some sort of cable. That is the Kensington lock. The system is used to secure the laptop shut and to keep it tied to a larger object.

This way, if you are working in a different place instead of your own office, you can still go to the bathroom or leave your laptop unsupervised without being afraid of anyone getting access to your information.

Removable media for important information

Similar to the burner method, another useful way of protecting your data consists of keeping all the more sensitive information on a removable media. This way, you can leave your laptop, but take the hard disk away with you. What is more, this creates a great diversion as anyone looking to steal information will most likely look for the laptop. This way, worst case scenario, the data will be safe.

Conclusions

Information is now the most valuable thing in the world. No wonder people are trying hard to keep it safe. And although we talked about business information you may have been entrusted with from your work place, your personal information is just as important. Here are the best ways to keep personal stuff away from prying eyes.