What Is Threatware And How To Prevent It

Threatware is part of a set of malicious codes spread by cybercriminals. The intent of these computer viruses is to steal your information or hold your computer to a malicious software.

The most common type of threatware among businesses is ransomware attacks. It targets the growth of the company by manipulating the business data and encrypting it, keeping access from the owners.

In this article we will go over the types of threatware, how the virus affects devices, and what you can do to prevent such attacks.

What is Threatware? Types of Threatware

There are many types of threatware, including ransomware attack and malware infection. Here are a few details about them:

Ransomware viruses

Ransomware targets mostly businesses, encrypting their sensitive data through a computer virus. What this virus does is it can gain unauthorized access via security vulnerabilities and lock out the owners.

Businesses are known to have stopped production for months before regaining access. This situation puts them in a vulnerable position in the long run, with unimaginable losses.

Because it targets financially stable companies, the hackers responsible for the malicious file ask for a ransom. It can be quite high, considering the IT team is called on first to solve the problem and not just pay the ransom.

Malware infections

A malware can harm computers through suspicious internet activities and downloads. It is the root cause of ransomware, it being one of the many forms malware can take. The others are trojan horses, spyware, rootkits, and more.

The infection can perform a range of malicious activities, such as data hostage, system damage, botnet participation, and identity theft.

How Does Threatware Affect Computers?

Now that you know what is threatware, you will find out how it gets into your operating system.

Phishing Emails

They are malicious emails that consist of mimicking people or businesses you know. They will add malicious attachments and links that if you click on, your device is compromised. All your sensitive information and internet activity will be affected.

Unknown Websites

Hackers create web pages with all the security measures to make it appear safe, but they have hidden code that can steal your information. Because they are so well developed, it is hard to identify and avoid them.

Website Pop-Ups

These pop-ups work similarly to the malicious emails. They get you to follow a link and subscribe to a service or email list, revealing your confidential information. It is common to find a pop-up that tells you to update your operating systems or that gives you a promotion.

Cold Calling

Scammers will pretend to be a provider or company you work with and call you over the phone.

How to Prevent Threatware attacks

• Run Software Updates Regularly
• Avoid Clicking Strange Links or Downloading Unknown or Unsolicited Files
• Different Types of Malware Attacks
• Fake or Unsafe Websites
• Downloading Infected Software
• Maintain Antivirus Software
• Never Use Weak Passwords

Final Thoughts

Knowing what is threatware and how to prevent it is a very important part of keeping your data safe. Make sure you use a good antivirus software, like Bitdefender or Malwarebytes, and maintain high security.