“Malware” is the term used to describe any type of malicious software that is intended to damage or disable a computer or computer system. From highly dangerous to simply annoying, there’s a whole bunch of malware types out there you may come across:
ADWARE |
Adware is software in the form of a pop-up or browser redirect that displays advertising on your computer or mobile device. Luckily, these won’t cause any direct harm to your device, but they tend to be a nuisance and can sometimes contain spyware (see more on that one, below). |
BOTNET |
Robot + network = botnet. Hackers can use bots to infect entire networks – allowing them to remotely control each computer on the network. They can then be used to steal data, distribute spam, install adware, and recruit other computers for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. |
RANSOMWARE |
Ransomware is typically transmitted via Trojan. Once your computer is infected, all data is encrypted, making it impossible for you to access. The attacker then demands payment in order for you to unlock your data. Don’t fall for this! To help prevent a ransomware infection, make sure your computers are regularly backed up and if they become infected, restore your computer to your most recent backup. |
ROOTKIT |
A rootkit allows an unauthorized user to gain control to your computer without being detected. Rootkits hide in plain sight and disguise themselves as necessary files that are easily overlooked by your antivirus software. While not necessarily harmful on their own, they allow other types of malicious software, such as worms or bots, to be installed on your device. |
SPYWARE |
As you may have guessed, spyware does exactly what it sounds like – it is used to monitor and collect data on everything you do. It can track the websites you visit, access your emails, and even steal banking or password information. Spyware can also degrade computer behavior resulting in crashes, the inability to connect to the internet, or disabled firewalls and antivirus software. |
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Much like the Trojan Horse of Greek mythology, this type of malware appears to be harmless on the outside. Trojans often hide in what seems to be a normal file, however once installed on your computer, the damage can be significant:
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VIRUS |
One of the most well-known types of malware, viruses can cause system failures, data corruption, and increased maintenance costs, resulting in billions of dollars’ worth of damage every year. Just like the flu virus, a computer virus can replicate itself and spread. Viruses can remain dormant inside a program, file, or document. Once executed, the virus can steal your data, corrupt files, send spam to your email contacts, or completely take over your machine. |
WORM
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Like viruses, worms replicate and spread to cause damage. Worms, however, do not need to attach themselves to a program, file, or document. Instead, they are standalone and often proliferate through the use of a computer network. |
The threat of malware can certainly seem intimidating. Lucky for you, ADKtechs has cyber security offerings directed at educating employees and assessing, mitigating, & monitoring risks. Malware may not always be preventable, but with ADKtechs on your side, your business has a better chance of fighting off these offenders. Click the image below to sign up for a free network assessment today!
