How to Protect Against Malicious Code In today's digital world, threats are actively seeking a way in. This includes malicious code. In this video, we'll show you how to protect against malicious code using different methods. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne’s IT Video Hub for more tech content like this. What is malicious code? Malicious code, also known as malware, is any piece of software designed to harm your systems, steal your data, or hold you hostage for profit. Unlike an accidental software bug, malware is intentional, whether motivated by mischief, profit, or sabotage, the result is the same— you and your organization become the target. Types of malicious code. Malicious code comes in many forms: viruses replicate and spread across files and systems; worms self-propagate across networks, causing widespread chaos; rootkits hide deep within your system, allowing attackers to maintain control; Trojan horses trick you into opening seemingly safe files, paving the way for an attack; ransomware locks you out of your own data— and demands payment for the key; spyware silently monitors your activities, from your keyboard strokes to your camera feed; and adware bombards you with ads— and often tracks your every move. How malicious code gets in. Malware makes its way onto your device through the following means: phishing attacks, fake emails or calls that steal your sensitive information; drive-by downloads, malware installed just by visiting an infected website; malicious websites, fake sites that trick you into giving your personal details; and social engineering, where attackers manipulate you or your colleagues into handing over information. How to protect against malicious code. You can defend yourself—and your organization—against malware by following these protection and prevention measures: install trusted antivirus and anti-malware software, keep all systems and software updated, educate yourself and your team on common cyberattack tactics. secure your network with firewalls and monitoring tools, regularly back up important data and test your recovery plans, and use encrypted communication for sensitive information. In the end, cybersecurity isn't a one time fix. It's an ongoing practice of vigilance and adaptation. Robust protection against malware involves proactively detecting it and preventing it from infiltrating your endpoints. For more information, check out our official blog post on malicious code, linked in the description below.