Tips For Preventing Malware

According to SiteLock, our favorite website security agent, there are in excess of 1 million new strains of malware created every single day. 1 million! This means that as a website owner you need to be on top of your game when it comes to preventing infection. Identifying a single stain of malware put your website on a blacklist, or worse it can infect website traffic and damage your brand reputation.
In this post, we will look at simple ways to keep your website free of malware, so your information and your website visitors remain safe.

What is malware?

By definition, malware is any software that disables, disrupts, or damages a system. Whenever you hear mention of Trojan Horses, viruses, or spyware, you know that they are talking about malware. Malware is created and traded in the dark corners of the web, and malware that is particularly disruptive can be sold for a decent amount of cash.  
How malware disrupts your system depends on the type of malware you are dealing with. Read through the various categories below to understand what you are facing:

Trojan Horses

Trojan Horses disguise themselves as legitimate software and are downloaded as part of another download. It’s discrete, and typically opens doors for further hacking and disruption.

Spyware

Spyware does just that: spy. This type of malware includes keyword loggers and other types of software designed to observe and track personal information.

Viruses

Just like the viruses that make us physically ill, computer viruses attach themselves to hosts and travel throughout the network spreading.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a cyber attack when a system is infected and data is stolen. Devices are often locked entirely. Malware creators then offer to return information for a hefty price. However, data is not always returned.

Botnet

Botnets are networks of computers used to commit Direct Denial of Service attacks. DDoS attacks occur when forces are combined while under the control of an attacker.

How to prevent your systems from infection:

Computer viruses infect tens of thousands of small to medium enterprises every day. Cyber attacks are expensive, and they waste time, money, and other valuable resources. Read on to learn the best way to avoid becoming one of the unfortunate infected:

Keep systems up to date

One of the most popular methods of infecting systems is through holes in software and applications. Software developers are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities. Developers create patches to resolve any holes found as software updates. It is crucial that your systems are up to date, and that patches are resolving software vulnerabilities.  

Change passwords often

Weak passwords are like leaving your front door wide open with a welcome sign blinking in the window. Be sure to change your passwords often, and don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts. When creating your passwords, remember that longer is better.

Be proactive with website scanning

There are many tools and services available to help your website stay safe. SiteLock is a preferred method for malware detection and removal. Packages include a website or application scan with SQL Injection screening and automatic malware removal.    

Employ a CDN

WestHost clients have the option to add Cloudflare to their accounts with just a few clicks. Cloudflare is a Content Delivery Network that adds speed and security to your web hosting. Protect yourself from DDoS attacks while ensuring that your data travels quickly by adding Cloudflare to your CHI account.