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Understanding Malicious Code and Tips to Protect Your System

By Cloudmatika 17 January, 2023

Malicious code is a form of cyberattack that users are rarely aware of. Learn more about malicious code and how to prevent it in this article.

Hackers have thousands of sneaky ways to sabotage your computer's security system. One is sending malicious code to your computer via email or other messaging platform. Malicious code is a cyber attack you must be aware of because it can harm your computer system.

The impact of malicious code is quite dangerous because it can eliminate essential data stored on the computer. We cannot solve this attack only by using regular antivirus software. There are many other strategies that you need to do to avoid the adverse effects of malicious code on your computer system.

What exactly is malicious code? How do we anticipate this attack so it does not affect the computer system? Let's see the complete discussion below.
 

Definition of Malicious Code

Malicious code is any code embedded in software or scripts that can harm your computer system. Malicious code is a sophisticated attack technique that antivirus cannot overcome alone. The forms vary, ranging from script attacks, viruses, worms, trojans, backdoors, and malicious website content.

Also Read: Pahami Apa Itu Cyber Attack dan Cara Mencegahnya Pada Website Anda

The impact of malicious code is quite dangerous for your computer. This malicious code can deliver time bombs, hard-to-decrypt content, rootkits, and anti-debugging techniques. As a result, company data can be leaked and sent to the hacker who launched the malicious code attack. 

Malicious code disguises itself as a hidden part of the software system so it cannot be detected easily. Once it gets into your computer, it can spread to other connected computer networks. 

Some of the activities performed by malicious code on your computer include: 
  • intrusion into other computer networks 
  • sending excessive email until the email server is overloaded 
  • stealing login credentials such as passwords and important data on the computer 
  • deleting document files on your computer without your knowledge
  • formatting your internal hard disk without permission
 

How to effectively prevent malicious code from entering your device

Malicious code attacks are so dangerous that you must avoid them from entering your device. What steps can you take to prevent malicious code from entering your device?
 

1. Create a Security Policy

A company's network or computer system should have a security policy created by the IT team. The security policy includes important steps to protect computers from all cyber attacks, including malicious code. You can consult with external parties to find out how to take preventive measures.

Also Read: Memahami Apa itu Data Security: Pengertian dan Manfaatnya bagi Perusahaan Anda
 

2. Check Your Computer Thoroughly

You may have downloaded a file through a less secure browser or email attachment. There could be malicious code that infiltrates through the file. Use an antivirus with the latest version to check all files stored on the computer. Remove the code immediately if the antivirus software detects it.
 

3. Check External Storage Media

Malicious code can also spread through external storage media such as flash drives, hard drives, or DVDs. Perform a thorough scan of the external storage media used with antivirus software to find malicious code.
 

4. Install an Anti-scripting Program

Antivirus software alone is not enough to ward off malicious code. You need to install an anti-scripting program or plugin on your computer. This program is helpful to prevent malicious code from operating without your permission.
 

5. Be Careful in Clicking on Links

Malicious code can come from malicious websites or links that you have visited. Beware of any links sent by unclear emails because they can harm your computer system.

Also Read: Beragam Cara Blokir Email Spam Dengan Tepat dan Mudah
 

6. Enable Pop-Up Blocker

Ads that appear through pop-up menus not only interfere with your browsing activities. These pop-ups may contain malicious code immediately downloaded on your computer when you accidentally click on it, especially when the 'close' button of the ad is so tiny that it results in a wrong click. Activate a pop-up blocker in your browser's settings menu to avoid malicious code from entering.
 

7. Use Administrator Accounts as Necessary

Some software requires administrator account access, often displayed with the 'Run as Administrator' menu. However, you should use something other than an administrator account for everyday purposes. The potential for malicious code spread is more significant if you continue to use this account.
 

8. Avoid Unprotected Wi-Fi Networks

Hackers often utilize unprotected Wi-Fi networks to transmit malicious code. It would be best to reduce the intensity of public Wi-Fi networks to avoid malicious code entering. Alternatively, you can utilize mobile hotspots if you need an internet connection.
 

9. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

The best weapon in fending off malicious code attacks is using a firewall. However, it would help if you chose a sophisticated firewall that can prevent malicious code from entering your computer system. You can rely on Cloudmatika Web Application Firewall (WAF), equipped with analysis detection technology. This technology is advanced security so that it can detect malicious code attacks that are often hidden on your device.

It's easy to operate WAF because of the intuitively designed control panel. You can track the traffic of malicious code attacks that have occurred in real time. WAF is not only malicious code but also helpful in blocking DDoS attacks that cause your website to overload. Don't hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp to consult or try a free trial of WAF.

In short, malicious code is malicious code that can break the security of your computer system. Please share this article with your employees to make them aware of this deadly attack!
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