Malware is software that disrupts computer operations, gathers sensitive information, or enables cybercriminals to access your computers illegally.
Malware is one of the leading causes of data breaches and security failures. The threat is becoming more sophisticated and complex by the day.
Viruses
A virus is a malicious software that enters your computer and infects your files. Viruses can corrupt your data, delete it, and spread it to other computers without your knowledge or permission. They are more dangerous than computer worms because they can damage or destroy your files and then replicate themselves to spread on your system. So better know the types and how to get rid of malware viruses to avoid such damages.
Viruses can be tiny — in some cases, one-hundredth the size of bacteria. They contain nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), which encodes genetic information, and protein.
They can be shaped like viruses or spiral (as in the tobacco mosaic virus) and reproduce by injecting their genetic material into host cells, where they replicate. Viruses lack the cellular machinery other living organisms use to replicate, which means they can be at the edge of life — between an inactive virus’s idle state and a replicating virus’s living state. This is why they have been classified in a grey area between life and non-life for centuries. Fortunately, newer methods for classifying them depend on molecular structure and replication mode.
Spyware
Spyware is malicious software that silently infiltrates your computer and monitors your activities. It can capture your web browsing history, emails, passwords, and credit card details. It can also be used to steal your identity and impersonate you.
Spyware can be delivered to your computer through various methods, including compromised websites, malicious email attachments, and infected software downloads. It can also be provided by exploiting vulnerabilities in popular web browsers like Internet Explorer.
Once on your device, the spyware collects data and sends it to its creator or third parties. It can then use this information for a variety of purposes.
For example, it can track your online browsing and present you with ad content relevant to your interests. It can also spy on your phone calls and record your keystrokes.
In the worst cases, spyware can cause your computer to run slowly and drain your internet connection. This can result in poor performance, lag, application freezes, and system-wide crashes. Additionally, spyware can cause your PC to overheat and damage your hard drive.
Rootkits
A rootkit is a malware tool that allows attackers to gain privileged access to computers and networks. Often used in phishing attacks and social engineering, these tools are often installed on devices without the user’s knowledge.
In addition to giving hackers access to a device, rootkits can disable security software and create backdoors that let them operate a computer remotely. This is why they are one of the most dangerous types of malicious software to avoid.
The best way to prevent a rootkit from infecting your computer is by keeping your operating system, applications, and virus definitions updated. This can be done by ensuring they are automatically updated or that you receive updates through your anti-malware solution.
Another way to protect against rootkits is by avoiding phishing and other social engineering scams on the dark web. Ensure everyone on your team knows how to spot these scams and enact policies that can help protect your business from such threats. You also need to ensure your systems are patched against known vulnerabilities.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts files and data so they can’t be accessed. It’s a significant security threat, affecting anyone from the average consumer to large organizations.
It can be delivered through email phishing attachments, chat messages, removable USB drives, or browser plugins. More aggressive forms can exploit security holes to infect computers without tricking users.
The malware encrypts files and data on the victim’s computer, often including critical business documents or records. It then demands payment in a digital currency, usually Bitcoin.
While paying the ransom is tempting, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your files back. Sometimes the criminals don’t even have the decryption keys.
Ransomware attacks target businesses, government agencies, and other organizations because they have sensitive information that needs to be protected. It’s also a low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals, as most companies need more security to avoid attacks.
There are several ways to protect against ransomware, including using antivirus software and hiring a professional to clean your computer. In addition, you should update your software and keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
Worms
A computer worm is a type of malware that duplicates itself and infects other computers on a network. Worms typically infect computers by exploiting weaknesses in the operating system.
Early worms were designed to spread from one system to another, but more modern worms often include “payloads” that perform damage on infected computers beyond just applying the worm. Payloads can contain malicious code that will corrupt files or steal sensitive data.
Many worms are created to exploit weaknesses in networking protocols, the operating system, or backdoors. These vulnerabilities provide the perfect opening for self-replication and propagation without user intervention.
Email, P2P networks, or USBs often send these worms. Infected USBs can infect supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, standards in power utilities, water supply services, and sewerage plants.
Most computer worms do not cause actual damage but can slow down the system and consume resources. They also often encrypt files and send ransomware messages to their victims.