A worm is a self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself to other machines. Worms can spread through software vulnerabilities or arrive in attachments or malicious links in phishing emails. Once opened or clicked, malware can automatically download onto your device. Once installed, the worm silently goes to work and infects the machine without the user’s knowledge.
Worms can modify and delete files, and they can even inject additional malicious software onto a computer. Sometimes a computer worm’s purpose is only to make copies of itself over and over, depleting system resources, such as hard drive space or bandwidth, by overloading a network. Worms can also steal data, install a backdoor, and allow a hacker to gain control over a computer and its system settings.
What Does This Mean For An SMB?
Your business needs to take proactive measures today to first reduce its chances of being hit by ransomware, phishing, or other cybersecurity attacks like Worms. Secondly, validate backups and disaster recovery plans are current and functioning in case you end up hit with ransomware. CyberHoot recommends the following best practices to avoid, prepare for, and prevent damage from these attacks:
- Adopt two-factor authentication on all critical Internet-accessible services
- Adopt a password manager for better personal/work password hygiene
- Require 14+ character Passwords in your Governance Policies
- Follow a 3-2-1 backup method for all critical and sensitive data
- Train employees to spot and avoid email-based phishing attacks
- Check that employees can spot and avoid phishing emails by testing them
- Document and test Business Continuity Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plans
- Perform a risk assessment every two to three years
Start building your robust, defense-in-depth cybersecurity plan at CyberHoot.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, watch this short video:
Source: CNSSI 4009, Norton
Related Terms: Trojan Horse, Malware
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