This year is the 40^th anniversary of the first computer virus according to Salted Hash by CSO.  Since the first malware was introduced in 1971, trends have increased exponentially with 1,300 different forms of malware in 1990; 50,000 in 2000 and more than 200 million in 2010.

Many hackers feel it is easier to get in to business networks and computers through employees than technology.  The first social engineering incident was recorded in the 1950’s by the FBI although the term “social engineering” was not coined until the 1990’s by Kevin Mitnik. Mitnik felt it was easier to convince employees to give up their passwords or other pertinent information rather than work around technology configured to protect the network.

The best defense against these potential security problems is to understand malware and social engineering and how they are used for malicious purposes. 

Malware is defined as a program or file that can do harm to a computer user.  Malware comes in different forms such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, logic bombs and spyware.  Whether the malware is replicating itself or replicating through users, it can create havoc to your computer network and in some instances threaten the security of your confidential data. 

Social engineering, also known as “People Hacking,” focuses on the weakest link of your network: employees.  Social engineers are social skilled individuals that manipulate people into performing an act or releasing confidential information.  Employees that fall victim to the social engineer are not acting maliciously toward the company; they lack the knowledge needed to detect and protect against this deceptive individual.

How can you protect your company against these rising trends?  Security Awareness Training.  Security awareness training will teach employees how to detect malicious behavior and recommendations on how to react when potential threats are found.  Training will increase employee and customer confidence in the overall security of confidential information. 

Training presented throughout the year in live training as welll as other forms of delivery will maintain constant awareness among employees.  Training topics are limitless and so are the benefits of creating awareness for your employees.