Types of Malware
- Viruses – A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file. The virus spreads when an infected file is passed from system to system. Viruses can be harmless or they can modify or delete data. Opening a file can trigger a virus. Once a program virus is active, it will infect other programs on the computer.
- Worms – Worms replicate themselves on the system, attaching themselves to different files and looking for pathways between computers, such as computer network that shares common file storage areas. Worms usually slow down networks. A virus needs a host program to run but worms can run by themselves. After a worm affects a host, it is able to spread very quickly over the network.
- Trojan horse – A Trojan horse is malware that carries out malicious operations under the appearance of a desired operation such as playing an online game. A Trojan horse varies from a virus because the Trojan binds itself to non-executable files, such as image files, and audio files.
- Ransomware – Ransomware grasps a computer system or the data it contains until the victim makes a payment. Ransomware encrypts data in the computer with a key that is unknown to the user. The user has to pay a ransom (price) to the criminals to retrieve data. Once the amount is paid the victim can resume using his/her system
- Adware – It displays unwanted ads and pop-ups on the computer. It comes along with software downloads and packages. It generates revenue for the software distributer by displaying ads.
- Spyware – Its purpose is to steal private information from a computer system for a third party. Spyware collects information and sends it to the hacker.
- Logic Bombs – A logic bomb is a malicious program that uses a trigger to activate the malicious code. The logic bomb remains non-functioning until that trigger event happens. Once triggered, a logic bomb implements a malicious code that causes harm to a computer. Cybersecurity specialists recently discovered logic bombs that attack and destroy the hardware components in a workstation or server including the cooling fans, hard drives, and power supplies. The logic bomb overdrives these devices until they overheat or fail.
- Rootkits – A rootkit modifies the OS to make a backdoor. Attackers then use the backdoor to access the computer distantly. Most rootkits take advantage of software vulnerabilities to modify system files.
- Backdoors – A backdoor bypasses the usual authentication used to access a system. The purpose of the backdoor is to grant cyber criminals future access to the system even if the organization fixes the original vulnerability used to attack the system.
- Keyloggers – Keylogger records everything the user types on his/her computer system to obtain passwords and other sensitive information and send them to the source of the keylogging program.
Malware and its types
Any malicious software intended to harm or exploit any programmable device, service, or network is referred to as malware. Cybercriminals typically use it to extract data they can use against victims to their advantage in order to profit financially. Financial information, medical records, personal emails, and passwords are just a few examples of the types of information that could be compromised.
In simple words, malware is short for malicious software and refers to any software that is designed to cause harm to computer systems, networks, or users. Malware can take many forms. It’s important for individuals and organizations to be aware of the different types of malware and take steps to protect their systems, such as using antivirus software, keeping software and systems up-to-date, and being cautious when opening email attachments or downloading software from the internet.
Malware is a program designed to gain access to computer systems, generally for the benefit of some third party, without the user’s permission. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious programs.
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