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Malware is a short term for malicious software. Typically, this software is made to gain access or to damage a computer. This usually happens without the permission and knowledge of the owner.

These malicious codes will creep in a device, and a malware can manifest in many forms such as adware, spyware, worms, viruses and Trojan horses. I have discussed these in a separate post. (See: Mobile Security Threats that You NEED to Know About)

Generally, malware can take many forms, and it depends on the intent of the creator. The number of malware infection is on a steady rise because of the profitable income to be gained in engaging in Internet crime.

Originally, malware started out as a way to prank and experiment. Eventually, its purpose shifted towards the ruin and slaughter of such devices. Now, most malware out there is made to profit from ads, to steal private data, to spread spam messages and emails, and to extort money.

Some may not harm but steal your personal data

Like adware, spyware is made to gather data about you. This is why spywares go hand in hand with adware in order to deliver an advertisement that’s pretty hard to resist. Where there is adware, there is most probably a spyware.

A spyware may not straightforwardly harm your computer. However, spyware can secretly monitor what you do on your computer. These spywares can know confidential information like your account number, your username, your password, and other personal details that only YOU should know about.

What makes you vulnerable to malware attacks?

There are numerous factors that make computers vulnerable to such attacks. A series of chain reaction can trigger when one takes advantage of the flaws of a computer’s operation system. Then,  when an infected computer is on same network with the other computers, this could lead to a domino effect. Thus, all it really takes is infecting on computer. Since Windows is the most common OS, there more malware attacks that target the operating system.

The best protection against malware.

Whether it is a ransomware, spyware, adware, or whatever kind, always be cautious. Follow these important pointers:

  1. Be careful when opening email messages especially if there are attachments that come with it,
  2. Stay away from incredulous websites, and do not believe everything you read on the web.
  3. Don’t click everything you see, and maintain caution when browsing.
  4. Lastly, install a trusted antivirus program, and keep it updated at all times.
  5. More tips discussed on What You Can Do to Avoid Mobile Security Threats?

Do something about your cybersecurity!

Above all else, I personally believe that cybersecurity should come first. In this digital era, we should all take steps that will help boost privacy. This is particularly important if you manage or own a business.

Once your devices are comprised, third party companies can get hold of your information and the information of your clients. Omnipotech can help you in improving your company’s overall online security. For more information about cybersecurity and the services we offer, kindly contact Omnipotech Support Center or you may call Omnipotech at 281-768-4800!

In Mobile Security Threats that You NEED to Know About (Part 1), I have mentioned madware, spyware, and many terms that may be unfamiliar to many. Have I gone mad? Nope.

Madware is a real thing. To know more about it, I must start with discussing adware.

What is Adware?

  • From the name itself, you can get the hint that it is implying ad or advertising. So, this software will be showing you unwanted advertisements on your screen.
  • These adware programs will give you pop-up ads, and these can be annoying because they will just appear suddenly. Then, they just attack with many unwanted advertisements.

Not Quite a Virus!

  • Just because an adware is not a virus, it doesn’t mean that you have nothing to worry about. Yeah, adware may not seem harmful and malicious as other things that loom on the Internet.
  • Adware can be really irritating every single time they bombard your computer with a bunch of ads.  In fact, adware could also present long-term issues.
  • For one, adware will collect your browsing history in order to serve you with advertisements that are customized your unique interests. Adware infections can interfere with your browsing experience. Of course, you would need to close them when the ads pop-up all at once! Thus, making your browsing slower and burdensome.
  • What is the purpose of an adware? The most common goal is to collect information about you… and sell your information to companies. So, they can make money. Yes, people earn dollars with your information.

What is Madware?

  • It is called madware when an adware is on a mobile device like your phone or a tablet.
  • That’s clear now: adware is on a computer, and madware is on a mobile device. Whether you call it adware or madware, the same thing will happen. It is going to slow down your computer and it will be more prone to crashing.

How do you get adware?

There are many ways to get infected by an adware, but here are the 2 most common ways.

  • First, it is a freebie from the program you downloaded. Typically, a freeware or shareware come with a free adware. It is added to your device without your permission.
  • The second way to get it is through a bad website. These websites can contain adwares, and infect your web browser.

How to know if a device is infected by an adware?

Here are the most common symptoms of an adware infection:

  • Slow computer
    • When programs take time to launch or run, it’s usually a sign. Adware can slow down your device by hoarding the memory space. Once it takes up space, it will have an impact on your device’s overall performance.
  • Filled with ads
    • As discussed earlier, ads will pop-up while you are browsing. Well, it is normal to see ads, but if you are constantly getting ads, the device may probably be infected by an adware.
  • The homepage of your browser changes
    • An adware is known for making browser changes. It will change the home page and redirect you to another URL that you did not set yourself. In this new page set, you will be able to get more adware and other threats that could harm your device.

Protecting Your Devices Against Adware

Protecting yourself is not hard to do. You just have to apply some common-sense precautions, and follow the tips listed here. If you have questions about cybersecurity, please contact Omnipotech Support Center or call the number 281-768-4800!

In Mobile Security Threats that You NEED to Know About (Part 1), I already start the discussion on the threats that could endanger your mobile devices and its contents. Worse, every year, the number of mobile threats keep increasing. Your phone gets more and more exposed each passing day.

So, let’s get into it and talk about the other 3 mobile security threats that pose as a harm.

  1. Viruses and Trojans

Next are the viruses and trojans. These attack your mobile devices and these are attached to seemingly legit programs. Once you install these seemingly harmless programs, they hijack your mobile devices and acquire the information stored in there. These information could be personal or banking details.

  1. Browser Exploits

One common sign of browser exploit is when your browser’s search page or homepage has been changed. The main screen, by default, redirects you to a link that you did not set. If you have experienced this, then, you have been a victim of a browser exploit.

Usually, browser exploits attack the security flaws in your browser. Then, they also target the other applications that you integrated on your browser, like a PDF reader and similar add-ons.

  1. Phishing Apps

Phishing apps are now a trend. This is a new take and old scheme. Before, when the emailing was still new, phishing emails are rampant. Cyber criminals will pose as the legit source and would send you an email asking for personal details.

If you are not careful, you could give away your password, credit card details, and other details  that only should know about. So, now, the same is happening with phishing apps. These apps mimic the real apps. At first glance, you would really think these phishing apps are the legit ones.

On a mobile device, screens are obviously smaller so it would be difficult to distinguish the fake from the real ones. If you are not careful, you could install the fake apps, and they could secretly acquire all the information you typed on that app — username, password, email, mobile number, and many more.

  1. Grayware Apps

Lastly, there are the grayware apps are not exactly harmful to your device, but they expose you to certain privacy risks. According to Symantec’s 2018 Internet Security Threat Report, 63% of grayware apps did leak the device’s number. Moreover, 37% of these apps gave away the device’s current location.

 

Final Thoughts

So, that warps the topmost threats that dominate the mobile sector in the recent years.  Now, that you now all these data, please do not take this lightly. Start protecting your online privacy because when you protect yourself, you are also protecting the people around you.

Cybersecurity is extremely important especially for business owners because the stakes are higher. Once a business’ online account is compromised, then all the transactions in that account will be as well. These vital business information could be sent to third party companies. That’s how Facebook spied on their competitors!

For all your cybersecurity needs, Omnipotech is the name you can trust. Contact Omnipotech Support Center  now to know more about all our cybersecurity solutions. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by calling 281-768-4800!

According to Symantec’s 2018 Internet Security Threat Report, the different mobile malware types increased by 54% from 2016 to 2017. Yes, in one year, it doubled.

Wait, there’s more.

Once a mobile malware gets into your phone, the other devices connected to your phone might be the next target. In a series of connected devices, the capacity of your online security will be only as good as your weakest link. So, malware can easily spread from a phone to a tablet and then to another device through the network.

In this blog post, I will list the rampant mobile security threats lurking around.

1. Madware and Spyware

First, you have to be careful about madware; since this article focuses on mobile threats, we aren’t dealing with the typical adware here.

Mobile adware (madware) is a program installed on your phone, usually done without your permission.

What does it do? A madware acquires your data for ad purposes. This way, companies can accurate target you with ads that are accordant with your own interests and hobbies.

It does not end there. Once there are madwares to target you with ads, it comes with a spyware. A spyware, like the name suggests, spies you. It will study on how you use the internet, collects all these information, and then, sends it to a third party.

Generally, companies buy this data of yours and they use these data for better ad targeting. Companies show you ads, you click, they spy, send you more ads, you click again, and so on. The cycle continues!

To be honest, the ads you see are the least of your concerns. When it comes to spyware, the alarming part is that your personal information collected. This means that your location, your internet usage, and your mobile contacts are all compromised. So, you see, it’s not just you exposed to mobile threats, but also every contact listed on your phone.

2. Drive-by Downloads

Drive-by downloads are those malwares installed on your mobile without any permission. This could happen when access the wrong website or open a malicious email. Then, without you knowing, a drive-by download will install something on your mobile device.

What will it do? The file it will install could be anything. That’s the danger of it! Perhaps, a madwaremalware or spyware. It could even be a bot that could potentially use your phone to do nasty things!

More will be discussed on Mobile Security Threats that You NEED to Know About (Part 2)

Time to take action!

Cybersecurity is important and you should not take it lightly. For a business establishments, the stakes are higher.

It’s a domino effect; once you are compromised, your clients will be as well. Third party companies could get a hold of your business transactions, banking information, and even the details of your clients.

Omnipotech is here to help you in strengthening your company’s overall security. Contact Omnipotech Support Center to know about the services we do such as cloud computing, IT consulting, and other IT services. For more information, you may call Omnipotech at 281-768-4800!