Drive-by malware is just another type of threat out of the many on the network. We already know that when browsing the Internet, when we enter any web page, we can suffer many attacks if that site has been infected or created maliciously. Just as we can also see how our computers become infected if we download malicious software, open fraudulent links, etc. Fortunately, we can count on many tools and methods to protect ourselves, although it is always good to know the risks we face. In this article we are going to talk about what drive-by malware is and how it can compromise our security.
What is drive-by malware
As we have indicated, drive-by malware is one of the many threats on the network. This time we find a problem that we can suffer when we open a web page.
This technique involves developing a fake website infected with malicious code that is downloaded or installed on the victim’s computer once they visit that website. Hackers accomplish this by strategically placing the malicious site link on the page of a legitimate website. Once the user clicks on the link, they are redirected to this malicious website and the malware is downloaded to their device.
This malware could even be programmed to open a back door, giving the attacker control of the device. It is a type of threat that can seriously compromise our privacy.
Cyber criminals often use baits to deploy these types of attacks. For example, they offer us the download of a specific software, of a file that may be of interest to the user. Another example is an advertisement that tells us that our system has to be updated or install some security tool.
In all these cases, the victim will end up on a fraudulent page or will download software that has been maliciously modified to attack. In short, we would be infecting the system with malware.
Many types of threats through drive-by malware
As we have seen, drive-by malware is an attack technique. However, through this technique they can sneak in many different types of malware . For example we are talking about viruses, spyware, Trojans, ransomware …
Unfortunately, there are many varieties of malware that can infect our systems. Through techniques like this they can control our computer if they install a back door, spy on us through spyware, steal our passwords and credentials with Trojans or even encrypt all our files and the system itself through ransomware.
How to avoid becoming a victim of drive-by malware
The most important thing to avoid being a victim of this technique is to always keep common sense . As we have seen, hackers can sneak fraudulent links on the web pages we visit. Basically they are links that take us to sites controlled by attackers or to the download of malicious software.
Whenever we are going to install any program, update the equipment or any similar action, it is vital that we do it from official and legitimate sources. The same when we go to log in to services or platforms on the Internet; You must avoid entering from third party sites that may be insecure.
On the other hand, it is equally interesting to have security tools . A good antivirus can prevent the entry of threats that compromise our privacy. There are many varieties of malware that can enter through the technique known as drive-by malware and we must be prepared.
One last thing we want to remember is the importance of keeping the latest updates . Many attacks take advantage of possible vulnerabilities that are present in a system. Luckily we can install patches and updates that correct these problems and thus prevent our computers from being exposed on the network.
