Let us first take the example of your own personal computer.
Yes, when you were given a computer, internet security was probably drilled into your mind. On the first month you bought a computer, every security system was in place. You did not browse the unwanted websites, took care to download and many more. As time passed, you became more aware of the dangers and followed fewer precautions. But yes, you want to keep your computer a safe secure place because it contains your vital information. In this article on does your anti-software take care of any attacks, we give the valuable points.
So, What Do The Antivirus Programs Offer?
Every anti-virus program offers the same to their clients. You know the deletion, scanning, system scans and many more. The antivirus software is designed so that it can identify abnormal behavior of a virus or malicious material and then put a complete stop to its actions.
What Is Your Opinion of Anti-Virus?
Usually, being the general public, we see the virus or any unwanted computer worm as an enemy Or let us say, an outsider. So, when the virus tries to enter your computer, you visualize of the antivirus stopping the outsider right at the entrance. This is the general view of the public for antivirus software. But hold on! Is there also space, that the antivirus does not take care of? Which part of the antivirus program can become vulnerable? These points, we are focusing on the article.
Outside Devices
Just imagine the situation, two decades ago. There were only computers and laptops. There were no external devices such as tablets, smartphones. In recent times? You have every device which is connected to the internet. So, network security has become vulnerable.
There are many start-ups which have the scheme of employees bringing their own device to the workplace. In other words, personal devices. So, even though the start-up companies can benefit, there are dangers lurking such as a virus harboring device. If it gets into the mainstream, then it can spread to the entire network.
The only method, that start-ups of a similar nature can do, tightens their security regarding networks. In short, install a perfect Firewall service. Employ the services of a computer geek to plug the loopholes and close all the vulnerable gaps. The company guidelines should make it mandatory that before plugging to the network, the existing devices should complete the antivirus scan.
Insider Threat
There are chances of an insider threat also for your start-up. The disaster strike can be led by an insider and they may have various reasons to do the task. There may be some employees, who feel they are wronged and can release a virus to your network.
There can also be some situations, where an employee, without his knowledge, passes on vital information to a fake website impersonating a client.
Then, there may be some employees, who opened a phishing email cleverly designed as an official email letter. The software then gets downloaded, and it will wreak havoc on the network.
Some of the reasons, that the security of an organization may become compromised because of an insider are as below –
- They may want to uncover sensitive client information, personal data to sell to competitors.
- Their main intention was to sabotage the operations of the company
- They may want to transfer money (in case of a BPO) to their own accounts or to other accounts.
- They may want to release confidential information of personal health data to the media for a benefit.
In the next step, we will talk about the Advanced Persistent Threats or APTs.
So, what are APTs?
How do you define a time bomb? The explosive device, which is set to explode at a particular time. Similarly, this malware or virus can also bypass the security checks and wait for the exact moment to strike. Till the time of activation, they will lie dormant and wait for instruction from remote controllers. Usually, they are designed by professional hackers, or they will be working under the guidance of a Government.
Let us imagine a situation. If a stranger has deployed APT, then they can steal any type of data (financial info, business secret, and other sensitive information). The best example, you can have is of the Remote Access Trojan or RAT. The malware will lie dormant and wait for the activation by the controller. So, when it is life, the remote controller will gather information with ease without detection. This program has advanced network protocols for communication. And the information passed will be in very simple language. So, the firewall or software will not identify the information leakage.
So, how do you identify the working of an APT?
Imagine you are in Bangalore as the CEO of the start-up. You have an office only in the morning. And during the night, if you notice any log-ins, then the operation could be by the APT.
- Then, you have the backdoor Trojans. The hackers have installed this malicious material throughout the network. So, the system access is granted. Even if you shut down and completely eliminate one from a single system, they can get access via the second system.
- If you see a large number of data transmissions getting transferred to an unknown source, then your company info is getting leaked without your knowledge.
- If you, by a stroke of luck, discover a large number of data concentrated in a single location, then it is a sure chance of leakage. All the data has been archived in an encrypted format.
- If you are the owner of a company, it is vital to know the strongest points of your network. It is also necessary you have a computer security expert in your payrolls to take care of your company logins and other duties.
Malware
The hackers are professionals. Before attempting to infiltrate your system, they will first check against similar firewalls to ensure that the program passes by unnoticed. Then, if they achieve success, will gain entry to your system. If not, they will identify the vulnerabilities in their program and then they will try again.
AntiVirus Software
Yes. It is a must. Agreed, there are some operating systems and programs which have inbuilt antivirus software. But, it is mandatory that the system should still have protection. Based on your company requirements and projects, your computer security expert should know the type of antivirus software that is needed.
Do you have a small company? With less than ten employees? Then install the best software in the market. And please update the recent versions. Every anti-virus software keeps updating as the numbers of malware increase. You should move in tandem with the recent updates. Do you have a small office in Pune? Do you need a software security expert? Then download the bro4u app, scan the profiles of the best software security experts in town and book as per your convenience. All the professionals on the list are qualified and verified technicians. You can even get your doubts clarified.
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