The malware (composed of the words maliciousness and software) is a program that has been developed to perform undesirable functions that cause harm to the user. At first, the goal of malware was to irritate individuals, but this has quickly spread to the systematic espionage and theft of personal information. The victims are no longer just individuals, but also large institutions such as banks. The scope of the use of malicious programs has increased considerably in recent years and is now a drastic factor in cybercrime.
Malware types
The term malware encompasses many types of malicious programs.
- The virus they infect programs or documents and then multiply when these programs are accessed. The programs that have been taken over are called host programs. Viruses can be harmful and also they can remove the data of the users. In spite of everything, a virus can also be commercial promotion, which has to be clicked first, so the program can be used. An infected computer will show certain signs. Is slower and frequently displays incorrect or incomprehensible messages.
- The worms they follow the same principle as viruses. They try to access other computers through the Internet. Unlike viruses, worms they do not need host programs.
- The Troy Horse is a program that has been designed to find data and passwords in its execution. It is completely hidden from the user. Also change or delete system settings. Trojans are used to send spam and attack servers. A special case is phishing in banking systems. Bank and customer data are specifically recorded.
- A backdoor is a way of giving a third party access to a PC without being noticed, thus giving them a way of interacting. Such a third party would enter by calling unsecured websites initially posing as the desired software until they reach the information they are looking for.
- The spyware it is software that is used to establish user behavior. The information obtained is generally sold, so that the buyer of this information can then use it for the targeted commercial promotion.
- With scareware it takes advantage of the usual lack of user experience. By making false statements about possible viruses, they are attracted to buy products that fight the supposed virus.
Malware risk from search engines
Malware operators take advantage of the appeal of search engines. They will try to create web pages that rank well in search engine search results to target users specifically to malware. The danger is that your computer is automatically infected with malware when choosing the search result. The provision of such links in the SERPs is also called an SEO attack. Google try to stop the webs that endanger users by means of malware, and the relentless pursuit of them.
At the same time, malware can be distributed through the malicious business promotion. It consists of banners that contain malicious code to infect other computers.
Official publication on the Google blog
Since March 2013, Google has offered special help pages for website operators who are victims of a hacker attack. They contain a point-by-point explanation of what to do to restore your website after an attack. Google gives tips on how to avoid hackers on the webmaster blog on the topic of hacking.
Help after being hacked
The Help overview published by Google helps victims after an attack in the form of useful videos and posts. As a first step, you should get an overview, form a support team, and quarantine the affected web pages or websites. Then use the Google Search Console and you will have a real assessment of the problem. There is help against malware and spam. From then on, the vulnerability must be identified and the web portal cleaned. There is also help with requests to Google to evaluate a specific web portal.
In the blogpost, Google points out that not everyone is capable of performing all the steps. Are required advanced administrative skills and experience.
Tips to avoid hacker attacks
Google offers advice in its article on how to avoid an attack. The security of a website is as important as search engine optimization and its usefulness to its visitors. The software must always be up to date. If external plug-ins or apps are used, their security mechanisms must be understood before use. The reason is that weaknesses in this area can allow penetrations on a website. Unused or unnecessary software should be removed immediately. Google also recommends strong passwords and automatic backups. At the same time, the security of all devices that have access to the server must be guaranteed.
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