Is Your Network Secure? The Threats of Malware, Ransomware and Computer Viruses

    In today’s digital world, keeping our information and systems secure is more important than ever. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a business owner, chances are you rely on computers, smartphones, and the internet every single day. This makes both individuals and companies easy targets for cyberattacks. Criminals are always coming up with new ways to steal private data, shut down systems, and demand money through scams. This paper will focus on the importance of cybersecurity and explore two common threats: malware and ransomware, and computer viruses. It will also explain how these attacks happen, what damage they can cause, and how to protect against them. 

    First, it’s important to understand why computer systems are vulnerable. One major reason is human error. Many people click on links or download files without thinking. Others don’t update their software, which leaves security holes open for attackers. Cybercriminals often send fake emails or use pop-up ads that look real. These tricks can fool anyone into clicking a bad link, which secretly installs malware. Weak passwords, lack of antivirus software, and poor security habits also make systems easier to attack (TestOut Corp., 2024). 

    One of the most dangerous types of malware is ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks your computer or files and demands money to unlock them. It’s often spread through phishing emails that trick users into downloading attachments or clicking bad links. Once ransomware is on a device, it quickly encrypts (locks) all the data, making it useless unless you pay the ransom. In 2021, a major ransomware attack hit the Colonial Pipeline and caused gas shortages across the U.S. East Coast. The hackers demanded millions of dollars, and the company had to shut down their systems temporarily (CISA, 2021). Attacks like this show how one infected system can affect millions of people. 

    Ransomware can cause major problems. For individuals, it might mean losing access to family photos or important files. For companies, it can stop business operations, hurt customers, and cost huge amounts of money. Even worse, there’s no guarantee that paying the ransom will get your files back. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevent ransomware attacks. First, people should install antivirus and anti-malware software on their computers. These tools scan files and block bad programs before they can do damage. Second, everyone should back up their data regularly, either to the cloud or an external hard drive. If ransomware locks your files, having a clean backup means you don’t have to pay the hacker. You can just erase the infected files and restore your backup. 

    Another major threat is the computer virus. A virus is a type of malicious code that spreads by attaching itself to files or programs. Just like a virus in real life, it can spread from one computer to another and cause serious harm. A virus can delete files, slow down your system, steal private data, or even cause your computer to stop working completely. Viruses are often spread through email attachments, pirated software, or infected USB drives (CompTIA, n.d.). 

    The damage from a virus can range from annoying pop-ups to total data loss. In some cases, viruses allow hackers to spy on users or steal passwords without being noticed. For example, a virus can record every keystroke you type, giving criminals access to your email, bank account, and more. This is especially dangerous in workplaces where one infected computer can spread the virus to the entire network. 

    To protect against viruses, there are a few important things to do. First, always keep your operating system and software up to date. Updates often include security fixes that block new viruses. Second, never download files from untrusted sources or click on strange links. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe and not open it. Finally, using strong antivirus software that scans for threats in real-time can catch viruses before they spread. 

    In conclusion, protecting your system from threats like ransomware and computer viruses is critical in today’s connected world. These attacks can cause serious damage by locking files, deleting data, or stealing personal information. However, the good news is that with the right habits and tools, most of these threats can be prevented. Installing antivirus software, backing up data, keeping systems updated, and avoiding risky behavior online are all easy steps that make a big difference. Whether you’re protecting your personal laptop or a company’s network, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility—and being aware of these dangers is the first step to staying safe.