Protecting Your Business Against Scareware
In an attempt to raise awareness, I mentioned in the previous post that scareware threats are growing at an alarming rate. In addition, we discussed its implications, including establishing what it is and how it operates. Today, however, I’d like to point you to a couple of practical tips for guarding yourself and your organization against possible malware threats — putting the chains on scareware, so to speak.
Currently, I’ve found Dancho Danchev’s “Ultimate Guide to Scareware Protection” to be the most thorough and accessible resource on the subject yet. He advocates the following steps to optimize scareware protection:
- Recognize patterns. Scareware sites, re-directs, and applications share similar features — they look, feel, and think the same. If you can develop an ability to spot identifiable characteristics of this malicious software, you’ll increase your chances of staying safe.
- Know who’s legit. Keep a running list of legitimate antivirus vendors. See a current list here.
- Use add-ons like NoScript. Some browser applications can enhance your protection against malware.
- Research. Uncertain about a particular vendor? Dig deeper, and don’t settle until you’re sure they’re trustworthy.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, for a scareware application to succeed, it must be manually downloaded and executed. This means you, the user, have complete control over whether or not your system becomes infected by malicious software. If possible, refrain from downloading any less-than-reputable applications from the Internet. Instruct your employees to do the same.
Additionally, don’t panic (even if your computer screen flashes a potential virus warning!), for this is exactly the type of fear-based response a malicious user wants from you. If you’re unfamiliar with scareware protection or question the integrity of an information security system, I highly encourage you to contact a local IT professional for assistance. Your business and customers are too important to leave to chance.
[photo: danielle_blue]
Additional Resources:
- Should You Be Afraid of Scareware?
- Do you trust your antivirus software?
- IT Security: Back to Basics
Tags: antivirus software, Computer virus, fake security software, information security, malicious software, malware, phony software, Scareware