Malware or Malicious Software

Malware is the same thing as malicious software. Malware can consist of codes or scripts that are designed to disrupt computer systems or to gain access to authorized information. Malicious software can pose a big threat to different organizations because these types of programs can destroy files and other sensitive information. Malware is a contaminant disguised to look like a real legit program but is actually harmful programs such as a virus, trojan horses, or a worm that is designed to exploit a computer and the data through unauthorized access. 

Malware is hard to detect without different types of protection. A security manager may use several types of protection against malware to minimize the exposure and detect these before damage occurs to a system. For example, physical security will include both individuals and devices to detect internal threats to a system. Some individuals may want to harm the system from the inside and using access control and discretion can help to minimize the ability to access information without detection. Many organizations are also going to smart cards for employees, to help distinguish and keep track of the activities within the business. Smart cards and biometrics will have different access codes for all employees and make it much easier to detect anyone that is trying to gain unauthorized access to certain areas in the building. A computer will use programs and software to also help protect a system against this type of threat. Different products such as anti-virus software, firewalls, and intrusion detections systems can help detect threats and lower the vulnerabilities in the system. 

There are several ways a security manager can do to protect computers against this type of threat.