Types of Malware (or malicious software) can refer to any program or file designed to cause harm to a computer system, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware.
Malware threats pose a considerable cyber security threat and have become the weapon of choice for numerous threat actors. Learn about various types of malware and how best to defend against them.
Types of Malware: Viruses
Viruses are programs that spread by infiltrating files or the system areas on a computer's or network router's hard drive and then copying themselves, sometimes creating copies that damage files and even destroy them. While some viruses can be harmless, others could potentially destroy data files and damage data sets permanently.
Unlike worms, viruses are host-dependent; this means they require someone else to execute the code or payload before spreading across devices such as computers and floppy disks.
Viral infections not only execute code, but can also harvest information from devices belonging to victims without their knowledge and transmit it without their consent. Furthermore, viruses can wreak havoc with security and performance systems by slowing CPU or RAM speeds, blocking users from accessing important files, altering security settings or overriding existing settings altogether.
Viruses can infiltrate a computer when its user downloads an email attachment or visits a malicious web page, but viruses can also infiltrate USB drives or email attachments by infecting their master boot records, so that when they boot up their machine they activate automatically.
Worms
Worms are malicious software programs that spread themselves by copying themselves across a network. Unlike viruses, which require user interaction to spread, worms do not rely on being executed from within an infected computer to replicate.
Computer worms typically spread via email and websites. They may also infiltrate networks through file sharing or exploit security holes in programs.
These worms can lurk as attachments or links within compromised emails and instant messages (IMs), infecting both themselves and all their contacts lists upon clicking them.
While many worms may not be as severe as viruses, they still pose significant threats. Worms can steal data, install backdoors to take over systems and even launch ransomware attacks.
Bots
Bots, or software programs designed to run automatically without human control, are used to automate tasks that humans are required to complete at an increased pace than if performed by themselves. They're usually employed in areas like logistics management.
Bots can serve an essential purpose; however, they can also be harmful and cause extensive disruption for websites or web-based presences. Therefore, it's crucial that you learn the best ways to defend against them.
Behavior modification techniques such as blocking suspicious IPs and geo-locations can help minimize bot traffic. Monitoring website performance regularly could reveal whether an attack from malicious bots has taken place.
Adware
Adware is a form of malware that changes the home page and search results in your search engine, while showing random pop-up ads. Adware also collects personal information and may act as spyware.
Malware often arrives bundled with free software or games you are looking forward to installing, or as fraudulent downloads. Malware such as trojans and ransomware is also capable of stealing files.
Adware programs are generally legal; however, if left unmanaged they could pose a security threat. The best way to safeguard against adware on your computer is by keeping all apps and software updated regularly.
Trojans
Trojans are a type of malware that install other programs onto an infected computer without its owner's consent, often hiding in system memory and remaining undetected by conventional virus and malware scanners. While difficult to identify and remove, trojans can sometimes pose as difficult threats that require professional assistance to effectively address.
Cybercriminals employ various means to spread Trojans unwittingly among their targets, including spam emails, infected websites and software downloads.
Trojans' main aim is to obtain your personal data - be it bank details, gaming log-in credentials or instant messenger log-in details.
Check out another article we wrote previously about How to Recognize 5 Types of Malware.
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