Cybercriminals have developed new methods aimed specifically at infecting computer systems of small and mid-sized businesses, security software provider BitDefender reported.

 

The company said it had uncovered new “malware-spreading vectors” which allow dangerous malware to enter computer networks and compromise their security.

 

Once infected, the machines may suffer from what is known as slow computer and owners are advised to get a professional computer repair.

 

Hackers may harvest sensitive data from infected networks.

 

The company said that once a network had been infiltrated, Trojans and adware listen to all the traffic carefully, filtering out online banking accounts, credit card details or computer-related data such as OS version, hardware details or software licenses.

 

BitDefender said that computer networks can be infected by malicious software even when they are not connected to the Internet. So, for example, malware can be brought into a business network by employees who accessed the Internet at home and use the infected USB stick at work.

 

 “When we say ‘small or medium business,’ we immediately think of a mom-and-pop store or of that lumber yard at the edge of town. The truth is more nuanced,” said Vince Hwang, BitDefender’s director, global product management.