Malicious software is shortened to “malware” in the word. Invading software known as malware is purposefully created to harm computers and computer systems. Contrarily, software that damages users without their consent is typically referred to as having a defect.
On occasion, people inquire as to the distinction between malware and viruses. The distinction is that malware, which can include viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, and other malicious software, is a catch-all phrase for a variety of internet hazards. A malware program is merely one example of this.
Phishing, malicious attachments, harmful downloads, social engineering, and flash drives are all ways that malware might enter a network. We look at typical malware kinds in this overview.
Different Types of malware
It’s critical to comprehend the various malware attacks in order to better defend your privacy. Others are less well-known, despite the fact that some malware categories are well-known (at least by name):
1. Adware
The term “advertising-supported software,” or “adware,” refers to software that displays unwanted and occasionally harmful advertisements on a computer or mobile device, changes the default search engine to one that displays advertisements, and collects user data that can be sold to advertisers without the user’s knowledge. Some adware is acceptable and safe to use; not all adware is malware.
By controlling the pop-up controls and choices inside their Internet browsers or by using an ad blocker, users may frequently influence the frequency of adware or what kinds of downloads they permit.
Adware examples:
- Fireball: When an Israeli software vendor found that 250 million devices and one-fifth of corporate networks worldwide were infected with Fireball in 2017, it made the news. Your browser is taken over by Fireball when it damages your PC. It replaces your homepage with the phoney Trotus search engine and places intrusive adverts on every website you visit. Additionally, it stops you from changing the browser’s settings.
- Appearch: Another prevalent adware application that operates as a browser hijacker is called Appearch. It usually comes combined with other free software, and because it loads the browser with so many adverts, web browsing is exceedingly challenging. You are instead directed to Appearch.info when you try to access a website. In the event that you are able to access a web page, Appesearch transforms unrelated content into links that, when you pick, prompt you to download software upgrades.
2. Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that hides on your device, watches behavior, and takes private information including logins, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. Spyware can propagate by taking advantage of software flaws, being packed with trustworthy programs, or being contained in Trojan horses.
Spyware examples:
- CoolWebSearch: In order to take control of the browser, alter its settings, and relay browsing information to its creator, this malware exploited security flaws in Internet Explorer.
- Gator: This application, which is frequently included with file-sharing programs like Kazaa, keeps track of the victim’s web browsing patterns and uses that data to provide them with relevant advertisements.
3. Ransomware and crypto-malware
A malware called ransomware is created to lock people out of their computers or prevent them from accessing data until a ransom is paid. The ransomware known as crypto-malware encrypts user files and demands payment by a set deadline, frequently using a virtual currency like Bitcoin. For many years now, ransomware has posed a constant danger to businesses in a variety of sectors. The chance of being the target of a ransomware attack has significantly increased as more firms adopt digital transformation.Read more about What are the different types of malware.
Ransomware examples:
- CryptoLocker: Cybercriminals utilised CryptoLocker, a type of malware that was common in 2013 and 2014, to access a system’s data and encrypt them. Cybercriminals tricked workers into downloading ransomware onto their computers, infecting the network, using social engineering techniques. Once downloaded, CryptoLocker would show a ransom notice promising to unlock the data in exchange for money or bitcoins paid before the specified time. Although the CryptoLocker ransomware has already been eliminated, it is estimated that its operators extracted almost $3 million from unwary businesses.
- Phobos malware: ransomware variant that first surfaced in 2019. This ransomware variant is based on the well-known Dharma (also known as CrySis) family of malware.