What Malware Can Do- By Kevin McLaughlin

If you own a small to medium size business you need to be aware of malware. Also called spyware, malware is a devious software program that covertly installs itself on your computer and then performs secret tasks without your permission or knowledge. Malware and spyware used to secretly observe and log web surfing habits of computer users and spawned other programs such as adware, Trojans and worms. However, malware has evolved to do much more harm than observe your web habits.

Chances are your business uses computers and in turn employees will be on the internet. The web has become integral to how society and business operate today and it is essential to know the dangers that lurk in this Wild West frontier. Malware can invade your computer system a number of ways including emails, game demos, MP3 players and just about anything you download from a web page. Anyone in your office has the ability to unknowingly download a malware program and when this happens you may not know until the damage is done.

Malware can be programmed to do a number of tasks in your operating system but the most common functions include stealing personal information, overloading your browser with pop-up ads, spamming your inbox with advertising mail, slowing down your internet connection and in some cases crashing your system. These are only the basics of a malware program and a more serious hacker can create a program that can use your computer as a cloaked server, essentially making your computer a dummy for their own personal use. From this server they can do any number of illegal activities including credit card fraud, identity theft and broadcasting adult videos. This is a serious issue because when the authorities look for the culprit guess whose computer they are led to... yours.

Banning the use of the internet is not a realistic solution. Without access to the web you are going back to the dark ages and will suffer from lack of information. However, there are programs you can install that will protect your system from malware and also block sites that are known to download such viruses. You also need to make employees aware of guidelines for using the internet.

Opening emails from senders you don't recognize is a big no-no as is visiting sites that are used for gambling, pharmaceuticals and adult entertainment. What employees do on their own time is their business but when on the clock at your company they need to know the damage that can occur from their web browsing habits and that they are liable if found to be the cause of malware infecting your system.

To protect your Connecticut company from malware, spyware and other harmful software programs, contact the IT pro's at ASG Information Technologies.

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