Have you ever visited a legitimate website or clicked a trusted link, only to be redirected or have a new tab open with a warning claiming your computer is hacked or infected with viruses? If you have, then your computer has just visited a hacked/malicious website.
Did you know that merely visiting a malicious website can cause your web browser—whether Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox—to execute harmful code, leading to a security breach?
You may get this scary warning prompting you to call a toll free number, so that a “Microsoft Certified Technician/Engineer” can help you?
Did you call the number and allow the hacker remote access to your computer?
If this happened, your computer has likely been compromised. Hackers have almost certainly installed a backdoor, allowing them to access your system at any time, execute malicious scripts, and steal sensitive information or credentials.
So what do you do?
1. Do not call the number, if you haven’t already done so.
2. Call the help desk of your IT company that maintains your network/computers.
3. Be prepared to execute a contingency plan to re-secure your computer(s) and network.
Did you know that compromised systems are often sold on the black market to dangerous individuals who use them to launch Botnet attacks?
Want to know what a Bot Net attack is? Read about it here: https://usa.kaspersky.com/internet-security-center/threats/botnet-attacks#.V7xwcDWfjSs
Many small business owners believe hackers are not interested in targeting them because of their size, but facts and data reveal a very different reality. Not only do you need to avoid a Malicious Website, you could also be compromised from a hacked website.
Every person, computer, and network is now a target for hackers. Ignoring this issue won’t make it disappear or reduce your risk. In fact, avoiding the problem only increases your vulnerability to these serious and real threats.
I strongly urge you to take the following steps immediately, to prevent yourself from having issues:
Purchase and maintain the following yourself:
- Purchase an annual license or perpetual license to either Vipre Anti-Virus or ESET Anti-Virus.
- Purchase an annual license of MalwareBytes Professional.
- Configure both of the above to run regular scans. I recommend daily full scans at a time when you are not using your computer each day.
- Install Windows/Mac Updates weekly, keeping your system secure and operating properly.
- Keep Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Adobe Acrobat, and Java up to date at all times.
- Ensure your backups are running daily, as scheduled without incident.
If you’re like most successful business owners, you don’t have the time to handle these tasks weekly and consistently. Consider hiring an IT company that provides network service and maintenance through a Monthly Security-Based Maintenance Agreement. Make sure the company you choose meets these essential standards and takes responsibility when issues arise. Avoid IT providers that seem to benefit from your problems or keep you struggling. Instead, seek out IT companies committed to a mutually beneficial partnership, where both parties share the challenges and successes together.
In closing, remember these 4 main points:
- Maintain your technology weekly.
- Remember that consistency is the key to having a secure network.
- Educate yourself on how to identify a Malicious Website.
- Stop and Think before you click or call that toll free number.
We all have a fiduciary duty to take responsible steps to safeguard the information entrusted to us. Our firm is committed to delivering secure, reliable, and responsive networks tailored for small businesses. This dedication gives our clients peace of mind and a competitive edge in their industry.
Call Us Today at (678) 606-0018 for a Comprehensive Network Audit and let us show you where all of the security holes are in your network, present you with a detailed plan to seal them up, and detailed costs. Together, we will eat that big, scary elephant one bite at a time!
