• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

Get the IT Services You Need for Your Business today, call us!  (888) 596-3998

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Landon Technologies

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
    • AREAS WE SERVE
      • FLORIDA
        • NORTH FLORIDA
          • JACKSONVILLE, FL
          • JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL
          • ATLANTIC BEACH, FL
          • NEPTUNE BEACH, FL
          • ORANGE PARK, FL
          • ST AUGUSTINE, FL
          • PALM COAST, FL
          • ORMOND BEACH. FL
          • DAYTONA BEACH, FL
        • CENTRAL FLORIDA
          • ORLANDO, FL
          • TAMPA, FL
        • SOUTH FLORIDA
          • FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
          • MIAMI, FL
      • GEORGIA
        • ACWORTH, GA
        • ALPHARETTA, GA
        • ATLANTA, GA
        • CANTON, GA
        • CARTERSVILLE, GA
        • JOHNS CREEK, GA
        • KENNESAW, GA
        • MARIETTA, GA
        • NORCROSS, GA
        • ROSWELL, GA
        • SANDY SPRINGS, GA
        • SAVANNAH, GA
        • WOODSTOCK, GA
      • NEW YORK
        • NEW YORK, NY
        • QUEENS, NY
      • TEXAS
        • DALLAS, TX
        • HOUSTON, TX
      • UTAH
        • PROVO, UT
      • CALIFORNIA
        • LOS ANGELES, CA
  • IT SERVICES
    • MANAGED IT SERVICES
      • REMOTE IT SERVICES
      • ENTERPRISE MANAGED IT
    • CYBERSECURITY
    • IT SUPPORT
      • REMOTE IT SUPPORT
      • IT HELP DESK SERVICES
    • NETWORK SERVICES
    • IT CONSULTING
    • DATA CENTER
    • DATA BACKUP
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

Mobile Menu

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
    • AREAS WE SERVE
      • FLORIDA
        • NORTH FLORIDA
          • JACKSONVILLE, FL
          • JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL
          • ATLANTIC BEACH, FL
          • NEPTUNE BEACH, FL
          • ORANGE PARK, FL
          • ST AUGUSTINE, FL
          • PALM COAST, FL
          • ORMOND BEACH. FL
          • DAYTONA BEACH, FL
        • CENTRAL FLORIDA
          • ORLANDO, FL
          • TAMPA, FL
        • SOUTH FLORIDA
          • FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
          • MIAMI, FL
      • GEORGIA
        • ACWORTH, GA
        • ALPHARETTA, GA
        • ATLANTA, GA
        • CANTON, GA
        • CARTERSVILLE, GA
        • JOHNS CREEK, GA
        • KENNESAW, GA
        • MARIETTA, GA
        • NORCROSS, GA
        • ROSWELL, GA
        • SANDY SPRINGS, GA
        • SAVANNAH, GA
        • WOODSTOCK, GA
      • NEW YORK
        • NEW YORK, NY
        • QUEENS, NY
      • TEXAS
        • DALLAS, TX
        • HOUSTON, TX
      • UTAH
        • PROVO, UT
      • CALIFORNIA
        • LOS ANGELES, CA
  • IT SERVICES
    • MANAGED IT SERVICES
      • REMOTE IT SERVICES
      • ENTERPRISE MANAGED IT
    • CYBERSECURITY
    • IT SUPPORT
      • REMOTE IT SUPPORT
      • IT HELP DESK SERVICES
    • NETWORK SERVICES
    • IT CONSULTING
    • DATA CENTER
    • DATA BACKUP
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Malware 101: Understanding the Various Forms of Malicious Software

An image depicting a computer screen with a warning sign and the words "Malware detected.

Malware — short for malicious software — is one of the most common and dangerous threats facing individuals and businesses today. From viruses and worms to ransomware and spyware, these harmful programs are designed to infiltrate systems, steal sensitive data, and disrupt operations. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of malware, how they work, and what you can do to protect your devices and your business from becoming a target.

Malware describes software designed to act maliciously on a personal computer.  The name 'malware' is a shorthand for 'malicious software' and describes exactly what it is. A computer virus is a single types of malware that can cause harm to your PC, but it is only one of many.

Type 1: Adware

Short for advertising-supported software, adware is a type of malware that delivers advertisements to your computer.  These advertisements are often intrusive, irritating, and often designed to trick you into clicking something you don't want. A common example of malware is pop-up ads that appear on many websites and mobile applications.

Adware often comes bundled with "free" versions of software that uses these intrusive advertising to make up costs.  Commonly it is installed without the user’s knowledge and made excessively difficult to remove.

Type 2: Spyware

Spyware is designed to spy on the user's activity without their knowledge or consent.  Often installed in the background, spyware can collect keyboard input, harvest data from the computer, monitor web activity and more.

Spyware typically requires installation to the computer. This is commonly done by tricking users into installing spyware themselves instead of the software or application that they thought they were getting. Victims of spyware are often be completely unaware of its presence until the data stolen is acted on in the form of fraudulent bank transactions or stolen online accounts.

Type 3: Virus

In technical terms a computer virus is a form of malware that is installed inadvertently, causing damage to the user.  A typical virus may install a keylogger to capture passwords, logins, and bank information from the keyboard.  It might steal data, interrupt programs, and cause the computer to crash.

Modern virus programs commonly use your computers processing power and internet bandwidth to perform tasks remotely for hackers.  The first sign of this can be when the computer sounds like it is doing a lot of work when no programs should be running. A computer virus is often spread through installing unknown software or downloading attachments that contain more than they seem.

Type 4: Ransomware

A particularly malicious variety of malware, known as ransomware, prevents the user from accessing their own files until a ransom is paid.  Files within the system are often encrypted with a password that won't be revealed to the user until the full ransom is paid.

Instead of accessing the computer as normal, the user is presented with a screen which details the contact and payment information required to access their data again.

Ransomware is typically downloaded through malicious file attachments, email, or a vulnerability in the computer system.

Type 5: Worm

Among the most common type of malware today is the computer worm.  Worms spread across computer networks by exploiting vulnerabilities within the operating system.  Often these programs cause harm to their host networks by consuming large amounts of network bandwidth, overloading computers, and using up all the available resources.

One of the key differences between worms and a regular virus is its ability to make copies of itself and spread independently.  A virus must rely on human activity to run a program or open a malicious attachment; worms can simply spread over the network without human intervention.

Bottom Line

Malware is a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike, causing significant damage and financial loss. By understanding the various types of malware, their characteristics, and preventive measures, users can stay informed and secure their digital assets.


🛡️ Concerned About Malware Threats?

From ransomware to spyware, malware can compromise your systems, steal data, and halt operations. At Landon Technologies, we help businesses prevent, detect, and recover from cyberattacks with cybersecurity solutions, remote threat response, and ongoing IT protection.

  • Real-time threat monitoring and malware removal
  • Endpoint protection and firewall configuration
  • Phishing and ransomware prevention
  • Security awareness training for employees

🔐 Serving businesses in Daytona Beach, FL and across the U.S., we deliver proactive protection and peace of mind.

Protect Your Business from Malware


🛡️ Cybersecurity

🛡️ Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats
Get the latest security insights and tips in our
👉 Cybersecurity Blog Category

Looking for immediate answers to your questions?

You May Also Be Interested In:

IT as a Service (ITaaS): Understanding Modern IT Delivery with Scalability

Flexible MSP IT Plans for Small and Midsize Businesses

A modern law firm office with advanced computer systems and IT support staff at work.

Law Firm IT Support: Ensuring Efficiency and Security in the Legal World

IT technician at workstation managing fully managed IT services for business support and system monitoring

What Are Fully Managed IT Services and Why Your Business Might Need Them

Two business professionals shaking hands to finalize a remote managed IT services partnership

What Does an IT Managed Services Company Do?

A team of network technicians carefully planning a network installation project in a business setting.

How Much Is Labor to Install a Network? Pricing Guide for 2025

Managed IT services for education plays a vital role in modern school systems by ensuring reliable and efficient use of technology in classrooms.

Managed IT Services for Education – School IT Support Solutions

How Information Technology Consulting Can Save Your Business

A graphic illustrating a hacker launching a spear phishing attack with a targeted email and a victim unknowingly falling for the deception.

Examining the Growing Concerns and Countermeasures against Spear Phishing Attacks

Previous Post: «How To Tell if Your Computer has Been Hacked How To Tell if Your Computer has Been Hacked and How to Fix it
Next Post: 3 Reasons Your Laptop is Running Slow »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Search this Website

Latest Posts

  • A modern law firm office with advanced computer systems and IT support staff at work.Law Firm IT Support: Ensuring Efficiency and Security in the Legal World

An image showing a "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed" badge.

Footer

Get in Touch

Landon Technologies, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 647-2248
Atlanta, GA 30339
(404) 551-5411
Nationwide: (888) 596-3998
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

Service Areas

Florida
Georgia
New York
Texas
Utah
California

 

 

 

Company

About
Services
Locations
Industries
Why Us?
Testimonials
Top Articles

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • © Copyright 2025 Landon Technologies
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap