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Malware is a short term for Malicious Software. We are all aware of "computer viruses", but the truth is that malicious software has taken an increase the last few years, with a bit percentage of it being specialised in economic crime.

Computer viruses: are usually destructive pieces of code that will harm your machine.

Adware: is usually a harmless but annoying piece of code, that based on your surfing attitudes, will push relevant advertisements to you while online.

Spyware: is a serious threat; a malicious code that will record sensitive information such as user IDs, passwords, and credit card numbers in order to exploit them.

Bots / Rootkits: These are extremely dangerous pieces of code that take control of your computer without you knowing it (they do not stop you from using it as usual) but use it to send out spam and fraudulent emails, to strangers or people in your address book, making it look like it is coming from you, and making you legally liable.

Ransomware: is a piece of malicious code that hijacks a computer and then its owner is blackmailed to pay some kind or ransom (usually a payment through a service like Western Union where fake IDs can be easily used).

There are many ways how malicious software can end up in your business network. Some of these are:

By disloyal employees who wish to harm you for whatever reason
By employees (or even yourself) downloading software that is not safe
By not having an established firewall and updated antivirus and antispyware software
By using torrents and downloading pirate music and videos
By opening email attachments from strangers or from "chain emails"

Strathclyde Forensics is here to offer you sound and independent advice on your protection. We are also able to investigate any previous incident and identify the sources of entry of any form of malware

Contact us if you need any help dealing with malware of any kind