The future was supposed to be a bright and shiny thing. When most of us turn our thoughts to the future we imagine flying cars, teleportation, giant computers that are capable of great things, and the ability to connect and establish friendly relationships with alien races. We imagine that the future will be like living in all of the greatest sci-fi moments.
While all of this is possible, it currently seems like zipping through space at warp speed and designing personal lightsabers are still a ways off. With malware and malicious software, websites are getting hacked left and right; and it’s something to be educated on.
Malware and malicious software are a sci-fi trend that isn’t in the distant future.
We’ve all seen at least one movie that involves a computer hacker using their skills to hack into all sorts of important computers and brings the world to its knees. While the theme of computer hacking makes for wonderful storytelling, the reality is that it can completely ruin a business.
It’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking that hacking is something that only characters in sci-fi movies have to worry about. However, when it comes to hacking, the future is now. Malware is something to be very aware of. Malware is defined as any software designed to damage a computer, server, or network. As a business owner who wants to see your business have a long and successful future, you need to be proactive when it comes to the possibility of being the victim of hacking. You need to be prepared to fight.
Who has to Worry About Hacking and Malware
Computers provide a unique problem for businesses. On one hand, it’s impossible to run any type of business without the assistance of good computers and an internet presence. On the other hand, the same computers that businesses rely on create a gateway that hackers can use to gain all sorts of inside information about the business by using malware. The devastating impact a single hacker can have on a business is why it’s so important for businesses to do everything they can to stop the hacker in their tracks.
Different ways computer hackers can damage a business just like yours includes:
- Loss of customer trust
- Loss of income
- Extortion
- Spreading false rumors
- Breaking down security firewalls
- Siphoning money
- Falsifying records
- Etc.
All it takes is a single hacking episode to do irreparable harm to your business.
There are several different ways hackers can gain access into your computer system, including:
- Stealing social media passwords
- Corrupted uploads/downloads
- Compromised databases
- Finding a third-party your trust and stealing their credentials
- Malware
- Phishing
- Exploring your network and exploiting vulnerabilities
While the different ways your business’s computer system can feel overwhelming, take comfort in knowing that you control your own destiny. With just a little pre-planning and availing yourself to some key resources, you not only can fight hacker, but you’ll also emerge victoriously.
Even if you only suspect that you’ve been hacked, the best thing you can do is seek professional help. When you contact us about the situation, we
A Sample of How We’ve Helped Businesses Fight Hackers
Last year we responded to a desperate plea from a client who’d been the victim of hacking.
In this client’s case, they’d been attacked by an evil hacker who had set up a phishing malware program that:
- Hijacked the client’s server
- The creation of a rogue email delivery system
- Setting up fake sites that mirrored the client’s sites
- Capturing passwords as the client’s clients tried to gain access to the pseudo websites
What is phishing malware? It’s any type of malicious software that lures victims into revealing personal information. Knowing that acting quickly was the best course of action they contacted us as soon as they realized their system was compromised. Like a good Jedi knight, we rushed to the rescue. What we found surprised even us.
Our investigation into the client’s server revealed that the source of the hacking was located in Thailand and had compromised 150 different websites. We dug deeper into the client’s network until we located the actual source and eliminated it. After shutting down the sites for a mere 15 minutes, we rebooted the system and were delighted when everything worked perfectly, though we suspect there was a very irate hacker on the other end who could no longer gain access to any of the WordPress sites.
Our efforts to protect the client included:
- Full emergency evacuation of the server
- Removing all phishing malware
- Setting up daily backups
Since we saved the day, the client hasn’t had any issues with computer hacking.
You Can Protect Your Business
The best way to keep your business safe from hacking is to set up proper precautions as soon as you set up your computer system. These precautions include:
- Choosing an ISP with a solid reputation for good security
- Making sure all forms of spyware, virus protection, malware protection, and security firewalls are in place before connecting a new or recently updated computer to your system
Setting up a system that’s highly protected is the first step in the battle against computer hackers. You need to be vigilant about protecting your business’s system. Good defense strategies include:
- Using SiteCheck to routinely scan your business’s websites
- Examine all of your core files for file integrity and make sure there is no sign of hacking
- Go over files you’ve recently modified and confirm that the only changes are the ones you made
- Check your files and look for files that have been modified without your permission or knowledge, these unexpected modifications are usually small and a certain sign that your business is hacked
- Use Safe Site Diagnostic testing that your business’s security rating is up to date and that there isn’t any sign of tampering
- At the absolute minimum, you should run these checks once a week.
If you see even the slightest sign of hacking, you need to take instant action. The sooner you act, the sooner we can help you resolve the situation, and the less damage your business will sustain. Don’t wait to see if your suspicions are correct or it or if it’s just a glitch in the system. When it comes to hacking situations, it is better to assume the worst than to find yourself in the middle of a major hacking scandal. Contact us today!
