Straight from an Expert: Mark Lanterman, Chief Technology Officer of Computer Forensic Services
Cybercriminals can’t attack our PCs, devices and networks without our help. And our anti-virus software is unlikely to protect us.
Malware enters our systems because hackers need our help and typically, the way they get our help is by tricking us into clicking on links and opening files. That download may have embedded inside of it malware. And, malware can do whatever it’s told to do. And you may think, “Well, I’m OK, I have antivirus software.” The problem is, antivirus software identifies only known, malicious software. Cybercriminals are creating new attacks every single day—attacks that have never been seen before.
Any content that is downloaded from a non-trusted source, meaning 99% of what’s on the internet, may contain malware and may pose a serious security risk to you.
Mark Lanterman on Consequences of Malware
A common repercussion of viewing pirated content is malware infection, the effects of which range from annoying to painful.
There are consequences when we download malware.
Malware could install keylogging software on our systems, meaning now that everything you type goes to the criminals.
It can also include remote desktop software, which means a hacker can take over your computer as though he or she was literally sitting in front of your keyboard.
Ransomware—which means all of your data on your system is now being held for ransom.
Identity theft. Criminals are looking to harvest our personal information to make money to victimize us financially. You may think this won’t happen to you, but that’s what the other guy thought, too. It’s out there. Please, don’t be a victim.
