We always use an antivirus software where you
come across that malware has been detected in your computer. So What exactly is
Malware?, What can Malware Do? How does it Spread? How to stay safe?. So today
in this article I am going to answering these questions and explaining the
term"Malware"
What is Malware?
Malware is the collective name for a number of
malicious software variants, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client,
or computer network. Malware does the damage after it is implanted or
introduced in some way into a target's computer and can take the form of executable
code, scripts, active content, and other software. It is designed to
cause extensive damage to data and systems or to gain unauthorized access to a
network. Malware is typically delivered in the form of a link or file over
email and requires the user to click on the link or open the file to execute
the malware.
What can Malware Do to my Computer?
Malware delivers its payload in a number of
different ways. From demanding a ransom to stealing sensitive personal data,
cybercriminals are becoming more and more sophisticated in their methods.
Malware, when executed, could make a system totally unusable. The damage
that it can do is totally dependent on the type of malware. So let's
Understand different types of malware
Types Of Malware
Virus:-Possibly the most common type of
malware, viruses attach their malicious code to clean code and wait for an
unsuspecting user or an automated process to execute them. Like a biological
virus, they can spread quickly and widely, causing damage to the core
functionality of systems, corrupting files and locking users out of their
computers. They are usually contained within an executable file.
Worms:-Worms get their name from the way they
infect systems. Starting from one infected machine, they weave their way
through the network, connecting to consecutive machines in order to continue
the spread of infection. This type of malware can infect entire networks of
devices very quickly.
Spyware:-Spyware, as its name suggests, is
designed to spy on what a user is doing. Hiding in the background on a
computer, this type of malware will collect information without the user
knowing, such as credit card details, passwords, and other sensitive
information.
Trojan Horse:-Just like Greek soldiers hid in
a giant horse to deliver their attack, this type of malware hides within or
disguises itself as legitimate software. Acting discretely, it will breach
security by creating backdoors that give other malware variants easy access.
RansomWare:-Also
known as scareware, ransomware comes with a heavy price. Able to lock down
networks and lock out users until a ransom is paid, ransomware has targeted
some of the biggest organizations in the world today with expensive results.
How
Does Malware Spread from One computer to the Another?
Each type of malware has its own unique way of
causing havoc, and most rely on user action of some kind. Some strains are
delivered over email via a link or executable file. Others are delivered via
instant messaging or social media. Even mobile phones are vulnerable to attack.
It is essential that organizations are aware of all vulnerabilities so they can
lay down an effective line of defense.
How
can you stay protected from a Malware?
Now that you understand a little more about
malware and the different flavors it comes in, let's talk about protection.
There are actually two areas to consider where protection is concerned:
protective tools and user vigilance. The first is often the easiest to
implement, simply because you can often set and forget best-in-class protective
Antivirus software that manages and updates itself. Users, on the other hand,
can be prone to temptation ("check out this cool website!") or easily
led by other emotions such as fear ("install this antivirus software
immediately"). Education is key to ensure users are aware of the risk of
malware and what they can do to prevent an attack. If we as the users are alert
and just browsing through safe sites and do not open any malicious links or
files we can stay safe.
Stay
Tuned For More Updates & Allow
Notifications to get notified whenever I post a new update.
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