Active Malware Threats
Malware is the abbreviation for malicious software. This term covers a wide array of software that aims to disrupt, gather information, or control the contents of computer systems. Malware comes in many forms and includes ransom ware, spyware, virus, Trojan horses, adware, scare ware, and embeds within non-malicious files. The form of malware exists as executable files, scripts, active content, and other software. Below we cover three active types of malware. Specifically, how it is used, how it hides, and what organizations can do to protect against it.
Number 1
Ransom ware is a particularly prevalent form of ransom ware active today. As of the first half of 2015, Microsoft (via their security website “over half a million PCs running Microsoft security software have detected a form of ransom ware.” The month of May saw an increase in Tescrypt (a form of ransom ware) by
Ransom ware works by running scripts located in pop up ads and links inside of emails. Once the user receives the malware, the code either locks the computer down or encrypts predetermined files. In both cases, the user receives instructions on how to make a payment to get access back to their machine and files. I f the ransom is not paid the attacker usually destroys the data or refuses to unlock the computer.
Ransom ware is reliant on user carelessness to spread. The most common form of initiation is through clicking from untrusted sources. The actual code is detectable by up to date anti-virus programs. However, the main vector of attack is through social engineering, or by preying on user’s inability to navigate the internet and their email.
Organizations can protect by first adopting the layer technique to their security environment. The user is the best defense against ransom ware. Educating users on threats and actions related to the environment are essential. Firewalls protect the next layer from infection. Anti-virus software is the third layer of protection. Finally, having an offsite back up of essential data used as a last measure against malware.
Number 2
The Trojan is the most common type of malware. Trojans like the Banker CTD target older browser versions and estimated by 2015) to of infected computers, likely legacy machines the older generation still use.”
The Trojan works similar to the of the wooden horse infiltrating the computer and then spreading to predetermine files. The malware then sits and waits for the prescribed actions where it executes a function. In this case the bank name into a URL and the virus logs every keystroke from then on. The Trojan then sends information to a predetermined email with usernames and passwords to user bank accounts.
This Trojan needs an attacking user to transmit the code to infect a computer. This happens through Emails, upon a certain trigger. The code then emails the attacker using a SMTP bypass to avoid firewalls and ISP filters. The Trojan is well hidden on older machines and outdated browsers.
Organizations can protect against this by educating users. This malware requires an unsuspecting user to click on the malware for it to spread. Using updated browsers and software is another defense against other Trojans.
Number 3
The Virus is another type of malware common in today’s computer networks. McAfee (2015) states that, “there are 362 new threats every of malware.” Viruses spread easily and are prevalent in most computing environments. virus is the most recent malware reported by McAfee and has a creation date of 18 August 2015 and a protection added date of 28 August 2015.
The Generic.E virus the Win32 PE executable files and replicates to other files by searching the local drive, removable drives, and network roughout the system. This virus does not have a destructive payload, but many do. The Generic.E virus spreads from one system to another.
This virus can evade detection so long as the user has not upgraded their AV software to include the known profile on the AV list. Current registries of engine and DAT files will clear this infection from a machine.
Organizations can protect against threat using the same means presented above. User education, software updates, and updated browsers help to combat this and most other viruses.

Conclusion
Active malware is a concern that IT and security specialists should remain current on. There are very good resources teams to help be aware of and protect against the threats faced in the computer-operating environment. The threats above are examples of the current fight against malware. It is clear that the threats are there and that in order to be effective against them; everyone has a part to play. Vigilance changing field is important to recognizing and eliminating malware from organizatio and users machines.