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Do you think a cyber attack like malware and ransomware could NEVER happen to you? Sadly, the threat of a system infection is actually a serious concern for everybody in 2025. An infected system can lead to significant consequences, Whether through malware, ransomware, or other malicious software.
In 2024, data breaches reached a record high, with over 1.5 BILLION records exposed. It’s only a matter of time until your data is targeted, too. You could be exposed to several key risks if your system is compromised.
Loss or Damage of Files from Malware and Ransomware
One of the immediate impacts of a system infection is the potential loss, damage, or theft of your files. Important documents, photos, and other data can be corrupted or erased, leading to irreversible loss.
For example, in 2024, the BlackCat ransomware attack targeted a number of data-rich organizations, including United Health and MGM Resorts, encrypting their files and demanding hefty ransoms for decryption keys.
Network Vulnerability
Hackers can exploit devices connected to the same network as the infected system. This means that your device is at risk and any other devices sharing the network can also be compromised, leading to a broader security breach.
A notable example from 2024 is the Emotet malware resurgence, which spread through phishing emails and compromised entire networks. A favorite target? Governmental organizations.
Exposure of Personal Information from Malware and Ransomware
Your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) can end up on the Dark Web. This includes sensitive data such as your social security number, credit card information, and other personal details that can be used for identity theft and other malicious activities.
The MOVEit Transfer data breach in 2024 exposed the personal information of millions of users, leading to significant risks of identity theft.
Infected systems are the foundation of cybercrime. It’s the first step in their attack. First, hackers exploit your device. Then, they start stealing data and planting malware.
How to Protect Your System
In 2024, ransomware attacks increased by 20% compared to the previous year, with over 70% of businesses reporting being targeted. To mitigate this and all other risks, taking proactive steps toward protecting your systems is crucial.
- Install Reliable Antivirus Software: Ensure you have up-to-date antivirus software to detect and remove threats.
- Regular Backups: Save your important files to an external drive or cloud storage so you can retrieve copies if your data is lost or manipulated.
- Secure Your Network: Create strong, complex passwords and use encrypted networks to prevent unauthorized access and eavesdropping on privileged communications.
- Stay Informed: Learn about changes in the cyber-threat landscape and how to keep yourself safe online.
By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your system becoming infected with malware and ransomware, thereby protecting your valuable data and personal information.
The average data breach cost in 2024 was estimated at $4.35M. Around 60% of small companies close within six months of a data breach. Even large companies can go down. Notably, in 2024, Stoli Group USA declared bankruptcy in December after an August cyber attack. Save your business, your money, and your data by being proactive. Malware and ransomware are too severe a risk to take unnecessary chances.
Commonwealth Sentinel is here to help you navigate the ever-evolving and growing cyber security threats we all face. We can evaluate your existing IT security and work with your team to improve it. At Commonwealth Sentinel, we stay focused on cyber security so you can focus on other things. Contact us today or sign up for a free consultation.