Current Computer Security Landscape

by Billy J Long Guidance, PSA Articles

Article (PSA‑0029)

Why This Matters

Every computer – whether it lives in a home office or a corporate data‑center – is a potential target for criminals seeking money or data. In October 2023 ransomware attacks were 66 % higher than a year earlier (Symantec). This increase shows how lucrative “locking you out” of your own files has become.

What Is Malware?

Malware is malicious software. It is a catch‑all term for any program that harms a computer without the user’s consent. The most common families are listed below.

Common Ways Malware Gets In

  • Infected email attachments
  • Compromised USB or thumb drives
  • Software downloaded from the internet
  • Links in emails, social‑media posts, or chat messages
  • Exploits in legitimate Windows apps and features (the “living‑off‑the‑land” technique)

Typical Malware Types (brief)

  • Viruses – Replicate themselves, slow or cripple a system, and can delete or corrupt files.
  • Spyware / Keyloggers – Record what you type and steal passwords, banking information, etc.
  • Adware – Show unwanted ads; sometimes the ads contain malicious links.
  • Scareware – Pretend to be an antivirus, claim you’re infected, and try to sell fake cleanup software.
  • Ransomware – Encrypt files and demand a ransom to unlock them. Often follows another infection.
  • Botnets – Networks of compromised computers used for spam, DDoS attacks, and other large‑scale threats.

How Attackers Do It Today

Recent research (Symantec) shows the main infection route is no longer massive botnets but exploiting known vulnerabilities in publicly‑facing applications. Attackers increasingly use legitimate Windows tools—remote‑desktop programs, PowerShell scripts, or built‑in admin utilities—to move laterally across a network. Because these tools appear normal, traditional antivirus signatures often miss them.

Why Everyone—Home or Business—Should Care

  • Financial loss – Ransom payments, fraud, or the cost of data recovery.
  • Legal risk – Breached customer data can trigger fines and lawsuits.
  • Reputation damage – Clients lose trust when you can’t protect their information.
  • Personal impact – Family photos, tax records, and other irreplaceable files could disappear.

Basic Steps to Stay Safe (Quick Checklist)

  • ✔️ Keep software up to date. Enable automatic Windows updates and patch third‑party applications.
  • ✔️ Use a reputable antivirus/antispyware suite and keep its definitions current.
  • ✔️ Enable the built‑in Windows firewall (or a trusted third‑party firewall).
  • ✔️ Back up important files regularly – at least weekly, using an external drive or a cloud service with versioning.
  • ✔️ Be skeptical of unexpected emails, links, or attachments. Hover to see the real URL before clicking.
  • ✔️ Limit admin privileges. Use a standard (non‑administrator) account for everyday activities.

If You Suspect an Infection

  • Disconnect the computer from the internet (disable Wi‑Fi/Ethernet).
  • Run a full scan with your security suite.
  • If ransomware messages appear, do NOT pay the ransom. Contact a professional (see phone number below).
  • Restore files from a clean backup if possible.
  • Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.

Need Help Now?

If you think your PC is infected or you have questions about securing your network, call us at (707) 506‑6802 to speak with a technician.