What is Betabot & Why Does Your Company Need to Be Protected from It?

It can be hard to keep up with the latest cybersecurity threats that plague our online interactions every single day. With 1 million new types of malware being released every day, simply keeping tabs on it all is a full time job. The importance of managing malware threats becomes magnified if you own or operate a business.

There is one type of malware, known as Betabot, that has been catching the attention of cybersecurity professionals for some time. The Betabot malware is an interesting case study for several reasons and highlights the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity.

In this article, we will break down what the Betabot malware actually is, why it is garnering so much attention, and which malware protection strategies can protect companies from experiencing significant loss or disruption.

What is the Betabot Malware?

The Betabot malware is, like many other forms of malware, a data stealing Trojan at its core. However, there are some unique traits of Betabot that make it unlike other types of malware. You see, Betabot was originally used to target banking information. It would hide behind the scenes on affected devices and collect banking information such as passwords.

While this is scary for people and businesses that are affected, it is not unique in the malware world. Many of the latest malware threats target banking information. So why is Betabot unique from other types of malware?

What has many cybersecurity experts watching Betabot is its changing nature. As mentioned, it originally went after banking information. However, over time, Betabot has changed so that hackers using the malware can shut down anti malware programs, install new types of malware, and even take over certain functions of the infected device. This changing and updating nature of Betabot makes it an even greater threat because there is no telling what new tricks are up its sleeve.

Another interesting piece of information about the Betabot malware is that it appears to be infecting more and more devices over recent weeks. Once Betabot has infected a device and makes connection with its operator, there is no telling what other forms of malware Betabot will install.

How Do Users Become Infected With Betabot Malware?

Obviously, when faced with a serious threat like Betabot, malware prevention becomes a major focus for many individuals and business users. Understanding how Betabot infects victim’s devices makes prevention much easier.

Like many other types of malware, Betabot uses phishing attacks to convince users to download a Microsoft Word document. Once a user opens the document, it runs an installer that uses an exploit in older versions of Microsoft Word.

Once the install has been completed, the hackers controlling Betabot can freely send new commands and forms of malware to the infected device. That’s right – your trusty Microsoft Word is the gateway for Betabot to take hold within your computer.

However, before you go ahead and uninstall Microsoft Word, it’s important to understand that Betabot can only take advantage of an old exploit that watched patched out by Microsoft back in 2017. This means that simply performing regular updates on the programs you use is enough to stop Betabot in its tracks. So if Betabot requires an old, patched exploit to be effective, why is it still infecting devices?

The Complexities of Malware Prevention

Downloading and installing regular security patches are one of the most basic forms of malware prevention. Many people do this regularly with their own personal devices. However, in a business environment, managing updates and verifying they have been installed on all devices can be much more difficult. One weak link can provide an entry point for devastating forms of malware.

With the large number of programs that businesses use today, ensuring prompt updates are done can be difficult. This is why managed network services have become popular with many businesses. They help create a unified network security strategy from deployment of devices, regular updates, and malware monitoring. Best of all, much of this work can be done remotely from a centralized location so there is no need to pay for on-site IT professionals at all hours of the work day.

Trust Network Security to an Experienced Partner

At Smile Business Products, we offer industry leading managed network services for businesses that want to ensure total security within their operation. This service includes regular patch updates on all devices to protect against vulnerabilities that enable devastating malware like Betabot and many of the other latest malware threats.

If you would like to learn more about managed network services for your business, contact us at Smile Business Products today.