Over time, some malware types have even become hybrids of one another, as they deploy similar malware attack methods, such as by harnessing logic bombs, meaning pre-set attacks that are sometimes triggered by victims themselves; by leveraging phishing and social engineering tactics to deliver malware directly to victims; or via mobile malware, meaning malware that targets mobile devices.
Among the most common types of malware, viruses are similar to bodily viruses in that they require a host, meaning a device, to live. They lie dormant until triggered to attack, perhaps by users downloading an email attachment — oftentimes.
From there, the virus replicates, spreading copies of itself from computer to computer, to wreak the most havoc. Worms , similar to malware viruses, are a type of malware that replicates itself. Worms can be transmitted via software vulnerabilities.
They also can arrive as attachments in emails or direct messages or be installed by removable media. Once opened, these files could provide a link to a malicious website or automatically download the computer worm. The attack took all but 10 minutes and impacted thousands of servers.
What are Trojans? Hence the valiant name, Trojans are a type of malware disguised as bona fide software, applications, or files to deceive users into downloading it and, unknowingly, granting control of their devices. Once installed, a trojan can perform the action it was designed for, be it to damage, disrupt, steal, or inflict some other harmful action on your data or network.
Also known as a Trojan horse or Trojan horse virus, Trojan malware is often spread via email attachments, website downloads, or direct messages. Similar to viruses, they too require user action to be deployed. In comparing a malware virus vs trojans, the difference is that viruses are host-dependent and trojans are not. Trojans also do not self replicate like viruses. Ransomware , as the name indicates, is a type of malware that comes with a ransom. How does ransomware happen? Once installed, the malware might create a backdoor for hackers to gain access to a device and then begin encrypting the data on locking owners out of their devices entirely until they pay a ransom to regain ownership.
Worth noting is ransomware is increasingly being paid in cryptocurrency and this is sometimes referred to as crypto-malware. WannaCry, : This ransomware attack targeted thousands of computer systems around the world that were running Windows OS and spread itself within corporate networks globally.
Victims were asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin to retrieve their data. Botnets are a type of malware that gain access to devices through a piece of malicious coding. In some cases, botnets directly hack devices, with cybercriminals even taking remote control of devices.
Adware, as the name indicates, is malware that involves advertising. Mobile adware, meaning adware on mobile devices, has become increasingly common and can be contracted through third-party app downloads. Ultimately, adware can:. This is often for the purpose of spying on internet activity, tracking log in and password information, or collecting sensitive information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
Keyloggers , as well, are a popular form of spyware that can be used to track and log the keys you strike on your keyboard, capturing any information typed. DarkHotel, : This keylogger spyware targeted government and business leaders using hotel Wi-Fi.
Since rootkits are designed to remain hidden, they can hijack or subvert security software, making it likely that this type of malware could live on your computer for a long time causing significant damage. Zacinlo, : This rootkit stayed stealthy until about when it was first detected, delivering adware and disabling antivirus software on primarily Windows devices.
Fileless malware is a type of malware that uses software, applications, and protocols already built-in or native to device operating systems to install and execute malicious activities. In other words, no files are needed to download this type of malware, hence the name fileless malware. Fileless malware is memory-based, not file-based.
However, make sure your Firewall is on and use good security software to avoid probable worm attacks. Trojan is another kind of malware which looks harmless, but it contains malicious code which creates a backdoor that allows your PC to be controlled remotely.
The term Trojan horse came into existence from the Troy Story where the Greeks used a wooden horse to infiltrate Troy. Once Trojan has infected your PC it can be used for different malicious purpose, like sending out spams , attacking a network or computer, DDoS attack on any website, spreading viruses, deleting files, stealing data, activating and spreading other malware.
In simple words, trojan creates backdoor which gives access to malicious users, once they are able to control your PC they can do whatever they want. So how these Trojans can get access to your system? If you ever tried to download a crack, keygen or any program to get the full version of any software then you might get affected by such trojan, think why would anyone create a crack for software?
What they are getting in return? First, they may get advertising revenue from the crack hosting sites, but such scammer has bigger goals they create trojan and attach them to cracks and keygen, once you install a crack you also install those trojans which put your computer at high risk. Spyware is another type of malware which collects data from your PC without your knowledge and permission, spyware runs in the background and collects your personal information like your browsing pattern, sites you visit, email, cookies, saved data into browsers, website passwords and even credit card details.
Spyware is similar to the Trojan horse in that users unknowingly install the product when they install some other software or freeware. Spyware exists as an independent program then can track your keystrokes , snoop on other files, change your default homepage, monitor your activity, stealing your personal information and send back them to the creators. Your data can be used in several malicious ways which include selling your data, targeted advertising, scams, spam or identity theft.
Adware is a bit different from spyware the primary intent of adware is to show different advertisements, pop-up window, flash ads , links to rogue websites, redirecting to different links, change homepage and default search engine, slows down browsing speed, causes frequent browser crash.
Adware monitors your browsing pattern, cookies, interest and sends them back to the creators where they re-target the users with relevant ads; technically adware is not a virus.
Whenever you install freeware these adware comes along with them; these are sponsored programs which make the main program free to use in exchange of ads when you uninstall the free program the ads will stop running on your computer. But sometimes we mistakenly install many Adware at the same time which becomes annoying, and some of them are tricky to remove.
Scareware is another type of malware that uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety or perception of threat and trick users to buy unwanted and potentially dangerous software. Scareware generates pop-ups which resemble Windows system messages like particular error message saying there are problems found in your PC, registry error found, Computer at serious risk, virus found, etc.
Scareware tricks users to download or buy fake antivirus , a firewall application, registry cleaner or a PC optimizer, usually a rogue software which has minimal to no use. Best practice to stay away from scareware is to ignore every popup saying such lame things while surfing the web, and do not click here and there on such pages.
Scareware spreads by malvertising where a genuine ad company gets tricked by the advertiser which leads into spreading scareware. Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents users from accessing their system. Some of the ransomware encrypt files in the system hard drive, which makes it very hard to decrypt the data without the encryption key, paying ransom to the creator may or may not provide you the encryption key like crypto locker which encrypts individual files and folder.
Ransomware can affect MBR Master boot record which makes is tough to boot into the system without paying the ransom. However, there is no guarantee that they will unlock the system after paying the ransom, one of the famous ransomware was FBI Moneypak, which locks the system and asks for payment, it was widely spread into the US and Canada in Ransomware spread through trojans, scareware, email attachments, infected and pirated programs and from compromised websites and threaten users that they have been involved in illegal activities and pretend to be some legal entities.
A rootkit is a software or set of application typically malicious that enables administrator-level access to a computer or computer network.
Rootkit get activated every time you boot into operating system since they activated before an operating system gets completely booted up which makes it very hard to detect by antivirus. The utility, game or other application usually performs its intended task but it soon does something dangerous. When users or websites share this information with others, it spreads. Trojans can make you a lot of money.
Bank Trojans can inject fake transactions into your online banking accounts to drain them. Others Trojans will steal your personal information so that their creators may sell it on Dark Web.
Learn about security threats and what they do. The way in which they spread is what defines viruses, worms and Trojans. Others malicious programs get their names from the things they do. Spyware is software that monitors your computer and steals passwords and other personal information. Spyware can also spy on your computer by monitoring and listening to conversations. Spyware can take over your phone and make every part of your life available for anyone who wants to.
Modern antivirus programs often include components that are specifically designed to protect against spyware. Adware displays unwanted advertisements that may be targeted at your interests using information stolen from a spyware component. Sometimes, the ads can be so frequent that they interrupt your normal computer use. It deletes its name and sends the compromised list to the program.
Rootkits are capable of performing the same kind of chicanery when requesting data from the Registry. It hides quietly until its owner or bot herder broadcasts an order. It then follows the instructions of hundreds, or even thousands, and does what it is told. There are many types of malware.
There are malicious programs that aid in spreading other malware. Although these dropper programs are small and discreet, they can send a steady stream to your computer with other malware. Droppers may be given instructions by their remote owners, just like a bot, about which malware they should distribute.
This distribution service is paid for by malware writers. Ransomware is a program that holds your computer and your data hostage for ransom. Ransomware can encrypt documents and demand ransom money in return for decryption keys.
This is the most common type. Your antivirus should be able to deal with ransomware in the same way as other types of malware. You may want to install a ransomware protection tool, as the consequences of missing ransomware attacks can be so severe. Not all security software is legitimate. Antivirus programs may not be as effective as they appear. Many are fake programs, or rogue programs that do not protect your security and can damage your bank account.
These programs are not designed to provide any protection, but they can be actively harmful.
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