Ninja threats your Antivirus may miss

02 Aug Ninja threats your Antivirus may miss

We all love the way our PCs have transformed a dire situation into a work from home – or – in the office hybrid. But, it’s a big bad cyber world out there. So many threats and they keep on changing – here is a quick list of threats that can sneak right through your antivirus solutions and take hold really easily.

1. Weaponised documents that look like PDF attachments in emails but they actually spring out at you and attack your network
2. Fileless threats that attack from memory making them difficult to detect before they attack like a ninja assassin
3. Zero-day threats find and exploit a vulnerability before updates can be issued to your software or hardware. Yes, even those staples like Adobe reader, get targeted and don’t get us started on Google Chrome.
4. Evil ransomware can disable your whole network – sometimes forever

Ok we know sounds mega scary and you are probably reaching to switch off your machines now – but don’t panic.

All you have to do is get hold of a geek – any geek will do – and have them evolve your security program to find and destroy the tendrils of darkness creeping through your system – OK that makes it sound really bad – actually its called Managed Endpoint Detection and Response and once set up you’ll avoid any harm and massive clean up costs if you are affected by the bad guys!

What extras online security steps should you take?

So, you’ve got your trusty antivirus software guarding your virtual fortress, but what more can you do to level up your online security game? Let’s dive into some extra steps you can take to support your antivirus software like the badass you are!

First things first, keep your software up to date. I know, I know, those notifications can get a little annoying, but trust me, they’re important. Software updates often come with vital security patches that plug up those sneaky vulnerabilities that cyber attackers love to exploit. So, don’t skip those updates – embrace them like a cozy blanket on a chilly night.

Next, it’s time to put your password superhero cape on. We’re talking about strong passwords here, folks. Avoid “password123” or your pet’s name (sorry, Mr. Whiskers). Instead, create a unique combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. And, please, for the love of all that is sacred, don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts. It’s like using the same key for your house, your car, and your secret candy stash – not a great idea!

Now, let’s talk about that little extra layer of protection called two-factor authentication. It’s like having a bouncer guarding the entrance to your digital kingdom. By enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), you’ll add an extra step to the login process, typically requiring a code sent to your phone or email. It might seem like a tiny inconvenience, but trust me, it’s worth it. Those cyber attackers won’t know what hit ’em!

Another step to consider is being a savvy explorer of the internet. We’re living in a wild, wild web, and there are plenty of dark corners waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims. So, avoid those shady websites, don’t click on sketchy links, and be cautious with email attachments from unknown senders. It’s like navigating a minefield of cat GIFs, but with a little caution, you’ll stay safe and sound.

Last but not least, don’t forget about good ol’ common sense. Be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true (sorry, that Nigerian prince isn’t really going to send you a fortune). Think twice before sharing personal information online or posting sensitive stuff on social media. And always be on guard for phishing attempts – those emails pretending to be your bank or your favorite online store. It’s like a game of spot-the-fake, and with a little practice, you’ll become a pro.

So there you have it, online security warriors! By following these extra steps, you’ll support your antivirus software like a true sidekick. Embrace those updates, strengthen your passwords, enable 2FA, be a cautious web explorer, and use your good old common sense. Together, we’ll keep those cyber attackers at bay and enjoy a safer, more secure online experience. Stay safe out there!

WTS Systems provide 24/7 support, secure monitoring, business continuity, cloud computing for SMEs across the UK. They are more than able to help with antivirus and all sorts of other IT issues.