What is Threatware in Cyber Security: Definition, Types & Protection

Are you wondering what is threatware in cyber security? Let’s know that threatware is harmful software that can be in any form, like viruses, worms, or malware. It is very dangerous for businesses as it causes them financial and reputational harm. This leads to disruptions and downtime in the business, affecting the productivity and revenue of the organization. 

For individuals, threatware can be even more dangerous as it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, etc. This is why organizations and individuals must be cautious and proactive to safeguard their systems. This is where cyber security comes into play. 

With robust cyber security, organizations can prevent such malicious software from harming their operations. Today, let’s discuss all about such malicious infections that pose a great threat to businesses.  

What is Threatware in Cyber Security?

Threatware is a term that includes all types of malicious software on electronic devices like computers or PCs. In cyber security, threatware is considered a dangerous element, as it negatively affects the computer system.

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Every cyber professional works to prevent threatware in the organization’s system. Threatware is like an umbrella term that includes all the malicious software like worms, viruses, ransomware, adware, spyware, and trojans.

Threatware is malicious software that damages the system and stored data. This software can be designed to steal sensitive data from the system or destroy them. It also intends to compromise or harm computer networks or devices. 

Threatware is not a one-time thing; it grows over the years. In a recent survey, it was found that almost 75% of organizations are experiencing this threatware incident, which is affecting their businesses badly.

Features of Threatware

Along with what is threatware in cyber security, let’s understand that there is a major global threat of these malicious software. Removing threatware from the device may take several hours or days of working. 

So, why not be cautious with such harmful software and don’t let it enter your device? To be cautious of such malicious software, you must understand its common features and behaviors to identify if there are any in your device.

Stealthiness 

The threatware is hidden inside the applications or programs, which makes it difficult for users to identify. Mostly, it disguises itself as a legal program or modifies its code to prevent detection.  

Self-replication

Various threatware replicate themselves by infecting different files and networks on the system. If it has access to any one network, it can determine its source and affect the other networks and systems, too. 

Persistence

Threatware can be a persistent issue on your device. Even if you have removed the threatware, it can again attempt to get inside your system. This can be due to the installation of any other type of malware on your compromised system.  

Exploits Vulnerabilities

Many threatware can be exploitative in nature. It takes advantage of the known vulnerabilities in the system and tries to gain access to your device or operating system. Sometimes, it spreads through networks and affects your device. 

Encryption

These harmful software are encrypted with strong codings to hide the activities and disguise them into some other applications or software. This makes them more difficult to detect or analyze. There is a wide variety of this software, all with unique features. So, be aware of what is threatware in cyber security and its different types. 

Malicious Intent

The purpose of threatware is to harm computer or operating systems. These basically steal data, damage files, and disrupt the functions of a computer.  The robust encryption of this software is designed with a malicious intent to damage and steal information. 

Communication with a Remote Server

There are some types of threatware that communicate with command and control or remote servers. Attackers majorly control such servers to receive or send instructions and data.

Different Types of Threatware

Threatware is of different types, and each has its own features and method of attack. Following are some of the most common threatware: 

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1. Viruses

The virus is a threatware type that affects the files and applications on a computer system and spreads through the network. The viruses can harm several valuable files and steal sensitive information from businesses. 

2. Trojans

This is a type of threatware that mostly disguises itself as a legitimate source or program to remain hidden. Attackers use this software to get remote access to any system, steal their data, and harm the system. Trojan’s most common sources are unknown websites, applications, spam mail, or attachments. This often involves phishing methods to spread and affect devices. 

3. Ransomware

This is another kind of threatware that encrypts the files and information of the user once installed. In return for decryption, it asks for ransom (money) in exchange. This malicious software can harm individuals and businesses, which may lead to business loss or sensitive data loss. 

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4. Malware

Malware is a common type of threatware that gets inside your system by a host, like downloading an unknown application, opening attachments, spam emails, etc. These malware depend highly on the host to spread by gaining access to APIs, keys, etc. Many times, firewalls and antiviruses cannot detect this kind of threatware, and this way, it remains in your system for a long time. 

5. Spyware

It is a threatware type designed to keep track of or spy on the activity of users. It also steals private data like browsing data, financial information, personal details, and login credentials. Without the user’s knowledge, it collects their data and sends them to attackers. The spyware also records the keystrokes before sending them to the attackers. Recording and sending of personal information are mainly done with the help of Keyloggers threatware. 

6. Adware

The users can easily detect adware, as this kind of threatware displays unwanted ads on the infected device. The attackers often aim to generate revenue by displaying ads and pop-ups on the devices of users. 

7. Rootkits

This type of threatware is a real example of disguising software to remain hidden from antiviruses and firewalls. It often modifies its coding and becomes difficult to detect by the users. The attackers, with the help of Rootkits, get access to the system for a long time and maintain control over the device. 

8. Worms

Worms are the oldest type of threatware. This is used to attack a user’s device by phishing and other contagious methods. Though worms are not that frequent threats to devices nowadays, trojans and ransomware are like them, which replicate and spread through networks.

How Does Threatware Work? 

Threatware includes all viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, etc. These are all harmful software that negatively affects the system or network. The attackers with this software basically trick users into installing illegitimate programs, opening malicious sites, and scam emails. Threatware can get into your device or system by spreading through networks or infected removable devices like external disks or USB drives. 

Threatware is used to display ads or pop-ups on the device through which the attackers earn money and get encouraged. This is how threatware gets installed and attacks user’s privacy and data. Cybersecurity solutions can provide personal protection to individuals and allow long-term viability and security. 

To become a certified security manager and derive better solutions, you can opt for the ISSM-certified information systems security manager course. It will help you gain relevant skills and training.

Effects of Threatware

Threatware in cybersecurity is harmful and malicious software that causes great harm to the computer system or networks. The ultimate goal of threatware is to gain access to valuable data and send them to the attackers. 

Here are some effects that threatware causes on any system or network:

• Slow processing or loading of pages
• Sudden shutdown
• Display of pop-ups and ads
• Installation of an unwanted application
• Regular crashes and screen freezing
• Files getting modified or deleted
• Overheating 
• New toolbar installation in web browser

Why is Threatware Dangerous to Businesses? 

Threatware can cause various damage to individuals and businesses. Mostly, it aims to attack systems of businesses to steal or damage data, as businesses can benefit from them more than individuals. 

Therefore, you must understand what is threatware in cyber security and what are the reasons that threatware is dangerous to businesses. 

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Fear of Loss of Data

Threatware involves phishing and other methods to steal or destroy data from the system. It causes critical loss of data like financial records, customer information, employees’ records, or intellectual property. The loss of these sensitive and valuable data causes great harm to the business and results in loss of revenue. 

Causes Legal Liabilities 

Businesses have access to many valuable data; it may be government data or its customer’s personal data. Any loss of these data due to data breaches, cyber theft, or security incidents leads to legal liabilities. The business needs to pay fines, legal fees, and other penalties depending on the breached data or regulations. To avoid such scenarios, businesses can hire penetration testing professionals who can help them identify the threats. You can enroll in a penetration testing professional course to become a certified specialist. 

Leads to Financial Losses 

Threatware often leads to financial losses like the cost of repairing the system and restoring or backing data. The cyber thefts or data breaches may lead to loss of revenue because of the downtime and interruptions. 

Disrupts Business Operations

Any external interruption in the system leads to the disruption of business operations. Once the threatware gets installed on the system, it slows it down and causes crashes. It even shuts down the entire network, due to which all the systems on that network start malfunctioning. This disruption and interruption in business operations lead to reduced productivity and performance within the organization. 

Damages Reputation 

Threatware causes loss of data and damages many systems and networks, leading to the loss of revenue and brand identity. Data breaches due to cyber theft or attacks damage the organizational reputation as it becomes difficult to attract customers. To prevent such situations, businesses must implement strong cybersecurity solutions on their system and regularly monitor the systems and networks to identify any cyber attack attempts.

How to Protect Against Threatware?

Moving forward with what is threatware in cyber security and why it is dangerous, you must understand how to protect your system against these threats. Protecting a system or network requires a detailed approach, including both technical and non-technical methods. 

Following are some steps required to protect your computer system from potential threatware. 

1. Implement a strong encryption and security program

Businesses need to develop and implement strong encryption coding on their system and networks. The policies and procedures of the organization must be maintained under a robust security program. Businesses should give training on security awareness to their employees to prevent any cyber threats. All the networks and systems should be updated regularly, along with the anti-virus software and firewalls.  

2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication approach

Computer systems and networks should have strong passwords that cannot be detected easily by attackers. Businesses can implement two-factor authentication security features on their system to deny access if there is any attempt to log in by an intruder. 

3. Keep your data backed up 

To mitigate the risk of data breaches or cyber-attacks, businesses or individuals should always keep their data backed up and restore them when needed. 

4. Put restrictions on valuable data

Businesses should limit access to their valuable data and share them with only relevant employees. Strong access control and restriction will avoid all unauthorized entry and will protect the data against any cyber-attacks. 

5. Monitor the threats 

Monitoring and controlling systems are necessary for businesses. If there is any sign of a potential threat, a quick response can be taken to prevent the attack.  

6. Implement robust security on remote access

As remote work is increasing, it is significant to secure systems and implement strong security programs for remote access to business platforms or sites. The organization must ensure secure remote access using VPNs and other-factor authentications. 

7. Incident response planning  

Businesses are required to have better planning for incident responses. Security incidents like threatware attacks must be mitigated through a proper procedure of restoring backups, connecting with customers, employees, and shareholders, and isolating the infected systems or networks. For further knowledge and skills in incident response planning or to become an incident handler, you can opt for the Certified Incident Handler course.

Tips to Avoid Threatware in Cybersecurity

Following are some tips to prevent threatware from entering your system: 

• Do not open spam email folders or click links sent inside the unknown mail. Simply delete the email you see marked as spam. 
• If you get messages like ‘Click here’, ‘Check here’, or ‘Verify your account’ from unknown sources, do not respond or click on them. 
• Keep your windows or system updated regularly. Use legitimate antivirus software. Always do virus scanning and boost your system regularly to clear the cache. 
• Keep your operating system and programs updated, as the latest updates come with patched vulnerabilities that you require to integrate into your system. 
• Set strong passwords and use two-factor authentication to prevent attacks or hacks. 
• Do not use public WiFi or illegitimate VPNs.

Bottom Line

With this comprehensive guide, you must have understood what is threatware in cyber security and how it affects your computer system and networks. They should never be taken lightly, and thus, you should follow every measure to prevent threatware from entering your devices. Follow the above-mentioned tips to avoid such situations, and do not ignore any sign of threatware on your system. 

To identify such threats and to be a professional cyber analyst, you can get the training course called CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), as this will help you identify potential threats and do behavioral analytics to prevent cyber-attacks. 

However, if you are looking for something that offers a broad range of skills and training in the cybersecurity field, you can opt for the CISSP Exam Preparation Course. This will help you gain enough knowledge and skills required to be a cybersecurity professional. With these courses, you will be able to fulfill your dream of being a professional in cybersecurity and help organizations prevent cyber attacks.

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