Cybercriminals know we’re taking more precautions. We’re using cutting-edge anti-malware software that catches all types of malware and utilizing VPNs, and firewalls to secure our connections. We’re also regularly updating our operating systems, web browsers, and other critical software to fix security flaws.
Rather than develop more complex malware to breach network security, many cybercriminals are working another angle. They’re using sophisticated social engineering attacks to trick us into downloading their malware.
Trojan horse malware
You need to act fast if your computer needs malware removal Trojan virus removal, or even ransomware removal because of a cyberattack. Time is critical because some malware can steal your data, hijack your computer, breach your financial accounts, or render your computer inoperable.
Social engineering is a Trojan horse’s primary attack vector. Like the ancient giant wooden horse with Greek soldiers hiding inside used to deceive the Trojans, the Trojan malware employs deception. For example, a Trojan may look like a friendly piece of software secretly containing ransomware from a hackerposing as a potential client for your company.
Computer worms
A computer worm is a type of Trojan that also utilizes deception to violate your system’s defenses. For example, the infamous and destructive ILOVEYOU computer worm was a malicious attachment on an email.
Unlike a virus, a computer worm doesn’t need human intervention to activate. In other words, once you open a malicious email, visit a malicious website, or are on a compromised network, a worm can unleash chaos even if you don’t activate it. Like viruses, worms can delete your files and folders. They can also drop rootkits or carry hostile ransomware strains.
Social engineering attacks
Hackers can send other types of malware through social engineering attacks, and not just Trojans and ransomware.
- Spyware: This malware will watch you and send your sensitive information to its author.
- Keyloggers: This simple but effective malware logs keystrokes that can include emails, usernames, and passwords.
- Backdoor: With this malware, a threat actor gains administrative access to your system.
- Bot: A hacker can make your computer part of a malicious botnet by dropping a bot on your system.
Here are some common social engineering attacks you should be wary of:
- Fraudulent emails (phishing): With this technique, a cybercriminal sends emails that appear to be from legitimate sources.
- Smishing: Similar to phishing, smishing is fake text messages devised to trick you.
- Honeytrap: A honeytrap is a type of romance scam where a hacker pretends to be a love interest to gain your confidence. After developing a relationship, they may convince you to install a Trojan.
- Baiting: A threat actor may infect a USB flash drive with malware and leave it around at your office or favorite café, hoping that you insert it into a computer with sensitive data out of curiosity.
- Scareware: This social engineering attack relies on fear. For example, you may receive an alarming message that asks you to quickly respond to an emergencyby clicking a link or downloading a program.
To protect yourself from social engineering attacks, you must keep your guard up. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Additionally, use proactive anti-malware software to shield you further.
