What is Malware?

Malware is software that attempts to access computer systems without permission. Malware can include computer viruses, trojan horses, malware, spyware, and other malicious programs. This is the simple definition of malware. Later in this article, I will explain different types of malware & How hackers create malware?

Different Types of Malware?

There are various types of computers viruses, the most common 10 types of malware are listed below with their characteristics which make them different from others.

  • Viruses – A virus is a malicious executable program attached to an executable file. When infected files are passed from one system to another, the virus spreads. Viruses can be benign or can alter or delete data. A virus can be activated by opening a file. A program virus can infect other programs on your computer once it is active.
  • Worms – Worms can replicate themselves on the network, attaching to files and searching for paths between computers. Worms can slow down networks. To run a virus, a host program is required. However, worms can be run independently. Once a worm has infected a host, it can spread quickly through the network.
  • Spyware – It is designed to steal information from computers for third parties. Spyware gathers information and then sends it to hackers.
  • Adware – Adware is malicious software that collects information about your computer and displays appropriate advertisements to you. Adware isn’t always dangerous but it can sometimes cause problems for your computer. Adware can cause your browser to redirect to unsafe websites and even Trojan horses or spyware. A large amount of adware can cause your system to slow down. It is important to ensure that your system is constantly and intelligently scanned for malicious adware.
  • Trojan horse – Trojan horses are malware that performs malicious operations in the disguise of performing a desired action, such as playing online games, opening a document e.t.c. The Trojan horse is different from viruses because it binds itself with non-executable files such as audio and image files.
  • Logic Bombs – A logic bomb is malicious software that activates malicious code by using a trigger. The logic bomb will not function until the trigger event occurs. A logic bomb can be used to execute malicious code and cause harm to computers once it is activated. Recent cybersecurity experts discovered that logic bombs can be used to attack and destroy hardware components on a server or workstation, including cooling fans and hard drives. These devices are overdriven until they fail or overheat by the logic bomb.
  • Ransomware – Ransomware locks the computer or any data until the victim pays. Ransomware locks the computer’s data with a key that is not known to the victim. To retrieve the data, the user must pay a ransom to the criminals. After the ransom is paid, the victim can resume the use of his/her system.
  • Backdoors – The backdoor bypasses authentication to gain access to a system. The backdoor allows cybercriminals to gain future access to the system, even if the organization has fixed the vulnerability that was used to attack it.
  • Rootkits – Rootkits modify the OS to create a backdoor. The backdoor is then used by hackers to remotely access the computer. Rootkits use software flaws to alter system files.
  • Keyloggers – Keylogger records all information entered on a user’s computer to get passwords or other sensitive information. They then send it to the source of keylogging.