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What is Malware? And its Types

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2024

Malware is malicious software and refers to any software that

is designed to cause harm to computer systems, networks, or
users. Malware can take many forms. Individuals and
organizations need to be aware of the different types of
malware and take steps to protect their systems, such as
using antivirus software, keeping software and systems up-to-
date, and being cautious when opening email attachments or
downloading software from the internet.

What is Malware?
Malware is software that gets into the system without user
consent to steal the user’s private and confidential data,
including bank details and passwords. They also generate
annoying pop-up ads and change system settings. Malware
includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses,
ransomware, spyware, and other malicious programs.
Individuals and organizations need to be aware of the
different types of malware and take steps to protect their
systems, such as using antivirus software, keeping software
and systems up-to-date, and being cautious when opening
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email attachments or downloading software from the
internet.

What Does Malware Do?

Malware is designed to harm and exploit your computer or
network. It can steal sensitive information like passwords and
credit card numbers, disrupt your system’s operations, and
even allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to your
device. Some types of malware, such as ransomware, encrypt
your files and demand payment to unlock them, while
spyware monitors your activities and sends the information
back to the attacker. Additionally, malware can spread to
other devices on the same network, making it a significant
threat. Protecting your devices with up-to-date antivirus
software and being cautious about your open links and
attachments can help mitigate these risks.

Why Do Cybercriminals Use Malware?

Cybercriminals use malware, including all forms of
malicious software including viruses, for various purposes.
Using deception to induce a victim to provide personal
information for identity theft
Theft of customer credit card information or other financial
information
Taking over several computers and using them to launch
denial-of-service attacks against other networks
Using infected computers to mine for cryptocurrencies like
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Types of Malware
Viruses – A Virus is a malicious executable code attached
to another executable file. The virus spreads when an
infected file is passed from system to system. Viruses can
be harmless or they can modify or delete data. Opening a
file can trigger a virus. Once a program virus is active, it
will infect other programs on the computer.

Worms – Worms replicate themselves on the system,

attaching themselves to different files and looking for
pathways between computers, such as computer network
that shares common file storage areas. Worms usually
slow down networks. A virus needs a host program to run
but worms can run by themselves. After a worm affects a
host, it is able to spread very quickly over the network.

Trojan horse – A Trojan horse is malware that carries out

malicious operations under the appearance of a desired
operation such as playing an online game. A Trojan horse
varies from a virus because the Trojan binds itself to non-
executable files, such as image files, and audio files.

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 Types of Malware

Ransomware – Ransomware grasps a computer system or

the data it contains until the victim makes a payment.
Ransomware encrypts data in the computer with a key that
is unknown to the user. The user has to pay a ransom
(price) to the criminals to retrieve data. Once the amount is
paid the victim can resume using his/her system.

Adware – It displays unwanted ads and pop-ups on the

computer. It comes along with software downloads and
packages. It generates revenue for the software distributer
by displaying ads.

Spyware – Its purpose is to steal private information from

a computer system for a third party. Spyware collects
information and sends it to the hacker.

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Logic Bombs – A logic bomb is a malicious program that
uses a trigger to activate the malicious code. The logic
bomb remains non-functioning until that trigger event
happens. Once triggered, a logic bomb implements a
malicious code that causes harm to a computer.
Cybersecurity specialists recently discovered logic bombs
that attack and destroy the hardware components in a
workstation or server including the cooling fans, hard
drives, and power supplies. The logic bomb overdrives
these devices until they overheat or fail.

Rootkits – A rootkit modifies the OS to make a backdoor.

Attackers then use the backdoor to access the computer
distantly. Most rootkits take advantage of software
vulnerabilities to modify system files.

Backdoors – A backdoor bypasses the usual

authentication used to access a system. The purpose of
the backdoor is to grant cyber criminals future access to
the system even if the organization fixes the original
vulnerability used to attack the system.

Keyloggers – Keylogger records everything the user types

on his/her computer system to obtain passwords and
other sensitive information and send them to the source of
the keylogging program.

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How To Know If Our Devices Are Infected With
Malware?
Performing poorly on the computer by execution.
When your web browser directs you to a website you didn’t
intend to visit, this is known as a browser redirect.
Warnings about infections are frequently accompanied by
offers to buy a product to treat them.
Having trouble starting or shutting down your computer.
Persistent pop-up ads.

How To Protect From Malware?

Update your operating system and software. Install
updates as soon as they become available because
cybercriminals search for vulnerabilities in out-of-date or
outdated software.
Never click on a popup’s link. Simply click the “X” in the
message’s upper corner to close it and leave the page that
generated it.
Don’t install too many apps on your devices. Install only the
apps you believe you will regularly use and need.
Be cautious when using the internet.
Do not click on unidentified links. If a link seems
suspicious, avoid clicking it whether it comes from an
email, social networking site, or text message.
Choose the websites you visit wisely. Use a safe search
plug-in and try to stick to well-known and reputable
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 websites to avoid any that might be malicious without your
knowledge.
Emails requesting personal information should be avoided.
Do not click a link in an email that appears to be from your
bank and asks you to do so in order to access your
account or reset your password. Log in immediately at
your online banking website.

How To Remove Malware?

A large number of security software programs are made to
both find and stop malware as well as to eliminate it from
infected systems. An antimalware tool that handles malware
detection and removal is Malwarebytes. Malware can be
eliminated from Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating
systems. A user’s registry files, currently running programs,
hard drives, and individual files can all be scanned by
Malwarebytes. Malware can then be quarantined and
removed if it is found. Users cannot, however, set automatic
scanning schedules like they can with some other tools.

Tools Used to Remove Malware

Malwarebytes
SUPERAntiSpyware
Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Adaware Antivirus Free
Avast Free Mac Security
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Advantages of Detecting and Removing
Malware
Improved Security: By detecting and removing malware,
individuals, and organizations can improve the security of
their systems and reduce the risk of future infections.
Prevent Data Loss: Malware can cause data loss, and by
removing it, individuals and organizations can protect their
important files and information.
Protect Reputation: Malware can cause harm to a
company’s reputation, and by detecting and removing it,
individuals and organizations can protect their image and
brand.
Increased Productivity: Malware can slow down systems
and make them less efficient, and by removing it,
individuals and organizations can increase the productivity
of their systems and employees.

Disadvantages of Detecting and Removing

Malware
Time-Consuming: The process of detecting and removing
malware can be time-consuming and require specialized
tools and expertise.
Cost: Antivirus software and other tools required to detect
and remove malware can be expensive for individuals and
organizations.

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 False Positives: Malware detection and removal tools can
sometimes result in false positives, causing unnecessary
alarm and inconvenience.
Difficulty: Malware is constantly evolving, and the process
of detecting and removing it can be challenging and
require specialized knowledge and expertise.
Risk of Data Loss: Some malware removal tools can cause
unintended harm, resulting in data loss or system
instability.

Conclusion
In conclusion, malware include significant risks to both
individuals and organizations, requiring proactive measures
for protection and removal. Utilizing a combination of
antivirus and anti-malware tools with software updates can
effectively protect systems. While detecting and removing
malware can be time-consuming and costly, the benefits of
enhanced security, data protection, and increased
productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions on Malware –

FAQs

Does malware steal files?

Yes malware steal files. Once it is installed on your

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devices, it can get access to your personal data and can
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 missuse and mishandle it, according to the hackers
personal intention.

Do anti-malware solutions impact system

performance?

Excessive active scanning of files and system processes

does consume some RAM and CPU usage which may
slow older systems. But well-coded programs optimize
background scanning to minimize performance lag,
especially on modern hardware.

How does malware collect data?

It captures data on keystrokes, browsing actions,

location, and even login information.

Can malware corrupt data?

Yes malware also corrupt data. As it can easily go

through the files, informations stored on your devices and
can easily misinterpret with any type of data it wants.

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Cyber Crime - Identity Theft

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