Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to Malware attacks as they often have less robust cyber defences compared to larger companies. The consequences of malware attacks on small businesses can be significant - ranging from compromised sensitive information, to financial losses, and reputational damage.
Malware commonly spreads via email. So, it is crucial for businesses to have effective email protection against malware. Let's examine how SMEs can strengthen their defences against Malware attacks via email.
What is Malware?
So, what exactly is Malware? It is malicious software used by cyber criminals to infiltrate, harm, or disrupt. The word Malware blends the words "malicious" with "software."
Here are some examples of malware:
Viruses can make copies of themselves and insert their code into other files or applications. This can lead to unexpected behaviour or crashes in the infected system.
Worms: Unlike viruses, worms don't need to attach themselves to other files or programs. They can spread independently across computer networks, taking advantage of security vulnerabilities.
Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software or files, often tricking into downloading them. Once inside a system, they can carry out harmful actions without the user's knowledge.
Spyware secretly gathers information about a user's online activities (browsing habits, login credentials etc.).
Adware displays unwanted advertisements on a device (pop-ups or banners). It is commonly bundled with free software downloads.
Ransomware encrypts data, making it inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom. However, research found that 92% of the time, the data is not returned even when a ransom is paid.
Malware can cause a device to become locked or unsuable. I can steal, delete, or encrypt data. It can take control of your devices and attack other organisations. It can obtain usernames and passwords to access your IT systems or other services you use. And it can even use services that cost you money.
How Malware Infects Via Email
Here are some common ways in which malware infects through email:
Opening Attachments: An email may seem legitimate, but it may contain an attachment that, once opened, executes malicious code.
Clicking Links: Emails may include hyperlinks to malicious websites or a malware download upon clicking.
Interacting with Email Content: Even simple actions like previewing emails or loading images can trigger malware if the content is crafted to exploit vulnerabilities in the email client or web browser.
BEC Attacks: When Malware Meets Social Engineering
Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are a dangerous combination of malware and social engineering that specifically target SMEs. Unlike typical malware attacks, BEC attacks go beyond just infecting computers with malicious software. Instead, they involve careful planning and the impersonation of important company figures or trusted business partners. Cyber criminals use phishing techniques to trick employees into revealing their login credentials or other sensitive information. Oftentimes, these scams will include urgent requests for wire transfers or the sharing of confidential data.
The consequences of falling victim to a BEC attack can be devastating for SMEs:
Significant financial losses: Unauthorised transfers made as part of a BEC attack often go unnoticed until it's too late. This is because the transactions themselves seem legitimate at first glance.
Theft of sensitive information: In addition to stealing money, cyber criminals behind BEC attacks may also gain access to personal data belonging to both employees and clients. This can lead to severe damage to the company's reputation and even legal consequences (GDPR FINES).
BEC attacks are difficult to detect using traditional security measures. This is because they combine both technological threats (such as malware) with psychological manipulation tactics (such as social engineering). By exploiting trust and everyday routines within an organisation, cyber criminals can easily bypass standard security protocols. Therefore, it is crucial to implement comprehensive security strategies that address both the technological and human aspects of cyber security. This means investing in advanced protection measures that can identify suspicious activities and educate employees about the dangers of phishing.
The Role of Phishing in Business Email Compromise
Here's how a phishing attack typically unfolds:
Initial Contact: The attacker sends a phishing email to the target, which may include links to malicious websites or attachments containing malware.
Infiltration: When the recipient interacts with these elements, malware is installed onto their device, giving the attacker access to sensitive corporate data including login credentials.
Exploitation: Once inside the network, attackers can execute commands remotely, manipulate data, or even lockout users and demand a ransom.
Your team members may inadvertently activate malware due a lack of awareness, or because the email appears to come from a trusted source. Vigilance is crucial when handling emails, especially from unknown senders.
Protecting SMEs Against Email-Borne Malware
Below are essential measures that can significantly enhance an organisation's email security posture:
Secure Email Gateways
Secure email gateways serve as a checkpoint for all incoming and outgoing emails. They use advanced malware filtering systsme to inspect incoming emails. They allow safe emails through - and identify and quarantine suspicious ones.
Key Functions of Email Gateways:
Scanning Attachments and URLs: All attachments and links are checked for known malware signatures or suspicious behavior patterns.
Analysng Email Content: The text of each email is examined for suspicious content.
Blocking Spam and Infected Emails: Email gateways efficiently filter out spam emails.
Advantages of Email Gateways:
Reduced Exposure to Direct Threats: By detecting and stopping threats before they can cause any harm, email gateways greatly decrease the likelihood of successful cyber attacks.
Simplified Management: Most secure email gateways come with easy-to-use control panels that allow SMEs to manage their email security without requiring extensive IT knowledge or skills.
Other Measures:
Regular Software Updates
Keep all email systems and software up-to-date with the latest patches and updates to close off vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Deploy Antivirus Solutions
Comprehensive antivirus programs offer real-time scanning of emails and attachments for potential threats.
Employee Training Programs
Your team can be trained to recognise suspicious emails through regular cyber security awareness training.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorised access even if login credentials are compromised.
Email Security Solutions for SMEs to Protect Against Malware
Mcats IT recognise the challenges facing SMEs in the UK so we have put together a selection of IT packages to suit a range of budgets. All our packages include FREE cyber security awareness training for all your team.
We also offer packages to include:
Email protection against Malware
Network Security
Endpoint Security
Multi Factor Authentication
Backup for m365
Up to £250k of cyber insurance
If you would like to find out more out our IT packages for SMEs, call 0333 014 7303 or contact us for a friendly chat.
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