Regardless of the different types of cyberattacks that can be suffered, practically all cybercriminals use malware.
Malware are computer programs (software), most of which are free and appear to be legal or harmless: music software and applications, games, videos, document and QR scanners, file readers and editors, etc.
But nevertheless, through these programs cybercriminals try to get:
- Remote access to our device (laptop, phone, console, tablet, etc.).
- Spy on and steal usage data (passwords, photos, documents, contacts).
- Encrypt our access to our own device for ransom.
- Damage the device or information if they don’t get what they want.
In most cases, one of these actions is not suffered in isolation. In fact, malware is programmed so that, once downloaded and installed, these actions can be carried out in the same order and practically consecutively in time.
For this reason, in today’s advice we come to remind you of the importance of downloading and installing only the software duly authorized by our company or organization (at a professional level). In case of doing it for personal use, we must make sure to do it on official web pages or APP Stores and contracting the corresponding use licenses.
Otherwise, we could be making a mistake that can have very serious consequences for our company or organization and/or for us as users, and especially for our information.
In the next Secure & Trivial (2/10) we will show you how to detect fraudulent programs and applications, but until then we will not open the “door” to cybercriminals.