Invision Kansas City Answers One of Business Owners’ Most Frustrating Questions
We are well past the era of thinking scams and cyberattacks could have been avoided if only the end user would’ve been more cautious. When you consider the magnitude of the breaches reported by organizations that you’d think would be protected by the best cybersecurity tools and practices in the world, you must wonder… Is it even possible to protect your business from cyberattacks, like malware and fake software updates anymore?
No doubt, cybercriminals will always find new ways to infiltrate business networks. One of the most dangerous ones today is malware disguised as software updates. Meaning, if you’re not careful, that seemingly harmless and official-looking update prompt could lead to a massive breach of your business’s sensitive data.
This growing threat and ones to come require a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Many business owners turn to outsourced IT departments like Invision for comprehensive protection and tech support on demand. As far as fake software updates go, here’s how they work, why partnering with an IT consulting firm is essential and what you can do to protect your business and data.
How Fake Software Updates Work
Hackers are sophisticated with their methods, creating fake software updates that closely mimic legitimate notifications. These notifications to update your software often appear through pop-up ads, emails or even notifications that popup while browsing the internet. Once clicked, they can install malware that gives cybercriminals access to your network, data and systems. They work because hackers make sure they look like they come from the software company and use software that is common for many users.
A trusted IT support team helps ensure that your software updates come directly from the developer, reducing the risk of accidentally downloading malware. Invision’s cybersecurity services offer the assurance to never have to second-guess the authenticity of your updates because our technicians can handle any updates for your business.
Spotting Fake Software Updates
Fake software updates are one of the most common ways malware infiltrates your network. Knowing how to identify them is key to protecting your business. Here are some quick tips to avoid falling for a fake software update:
- Random Pop-ups: Assume pop-up ads asking you to update your software or scan for viruses are scams. Legitimate updates will come from your software’s settings or the developer’s official website.
- Email Notifications: Be cautious of update requests sent via email. Most reputable developers send update alerts directly through their software, not via email. If an email looks suspicious, verify the sender’s address before clicking any links. For example, if you click on the email address, it’ll display as a random Gmail account, not the software company name.
- Requests for Personal Information: Never provide personal or billing information in response to a pop-up or email claiming to be from a software provider. Legitimate companies won’t ask for this information through pop-ups. Instead, if you think it might be legitimate, go directly to the software company’s website rather than clicking the popup. Login to your account, and legitimate requests will be available in your account settings.
It’s better safe than sorry. If there is any question about whether an update is really needed, ask your outsourced IT department for verification.
What to Do if You Download a Fake Software Update
You or an employee accidentally downloaded a fake software update? It happens. The best course of action is to immediately contact your computer consulting firm to address the threat and minimize damage. Invision, Kansas City’s outsourced IT department for local businesses, provides fast-response malware removal and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to get your business back on track.
Outsourcing your IT needs to professionals has never been more critical given what’s at stake. Today, business owners need computer consulting experts who can provide ongoing network support and cybersecurity solutions that stop threats before they cause damage. If you’re searching for reliable IT support in the Kansas City area, contact the experts at Invision Kansas City.
