Malware classifications, Types of malwares

Malware, or malicious software, is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a

computer system, network, or data. Malware comes in many forms, each with specific
behaviours and purposes. Below are the major classifications and types of malwares
commonly encountered in cybersecurity:
Classifications of Malware
1. Virus:
o Definition: A type of malware that attaches itself to legitimate programs or
files and spreads when the infected file or program is executed.
o Propagation: Requires user interaction, such as running an infected file or
program.
o Example: A file virus that infects a Word document and spreads when the
document is opened.
2. Worm:
o Definition: A self-replicating malware that spreads automatically through
networks without requiring any user action.
o Propagation: Exploits vulnerabilities in network protocols to spread.
o Example: The Morris Worm, one of the first worms to spread over the
internet.
3. Trojan Horse (Trojan):
o Definition: A type of malware disguised as legitimate software that tricks
users into executing it. Once installed, it may allow hackers to gain
unauthorized access or control over the system.
o Propagation: Hidden within seemingly legitimate files or software.
o Example: A fake antivirus program that appears legitimate but actually installs
a backdoor.
4. Ransomware:
o Definition: A type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a
ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) for the decryption key.
o Propagation: Often spread through phishing emails or malicious downloads.
o Example: The WannaCry ransomware attack, which affected thousands of
computers globally and demanded payment for file decryption.
5. Spyware:
o Definition: Malware that secretly monitors user activities and collects
information without the user's consent, often for financial gain.
o Propagation: Installed via infected websites, software, or attachments.
 o Example: Keyloggers that record keystrokes to steal passwords and other
sensitive information.
6. Adware:
o Definition: Malware designed to display unwanted advertisements on a user’s
device, typically generating revenue for the attacker.
o Propagation: Often bundled with free software or downloaded via malicious
websites.
o Example: Adware that shows pop-up ads on a user’s browser, sometimes
redirecting users to malicious sites.
7. Rootkit:
o Definition: A type of malware that provides unauthorized root-level
(administrator) access to a system while hiding its presence from the user and
antivirus programs.
o Propagation: Often installed by exploiting vulnerabilities or using other types
of malware.
o Example: Rootkits that hide other malware, such as keyloggers or Trojans,
making them harder to detect.
8. Keylogger:
o Definition: A type of spyware that records every keystroke made by a user,
often to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
o Propagation: Delivered through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or
Trojans.
o Example: Keyloggers installed on a compromised system to capture banking
login credentials.
9. Botnet:
o Definition: A network of infected devices (bots) controlled remotely by an
attacker, often used to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or
send spam emails.
o Propagation: Infected devices are connected to the botnet through malware.
o Example: The Mirai botnet, which infected IoT devices to carry out massive
DDoS attacks.
10. Backdoor:
o Definition: A type of malware that creates a hidden way for attackers to
bypass normal authentication and gain access to a system.
o Propagation: Installed via other types of malware, phishing, or exploitation of
vulnerabilities.
o Example: Backdoor access that allows attackers to control a system remotely
without the user's knowledge.
 11. Fileless Malware:
o Definition: Malware that does not rely on files to infect a system, instead
leveraging legitimate tools and processes already on the system to execute
malicious activities.
o Propagation: Exploits system vulnerabilities and is often injected into
memory.
o Example: Malware that infects a system’s memory and uses trusted programs
like PowerShell to carry out attacks.
12. Cryptojacking:
o Definition: Malware that hijacks a user’s system resources (such as CPU or
GPU) to mine cryptocurrency without the user's consent.
o Propagation: Delivered through malicious websites or infected downloads.
o Example: A cryptojacking script running in a browser tab, using the user’s
processing power to mine cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
13. Logic Bomb:
o Definition: A piece of malware that remains dormant in a system until
triggered by a specific event, such as a date or user action.
o Propagation: Often planted by insiders or hidden within software updates.
o Example: A logic bomb set to delete data if a specific user account is deleted
or after a certain date.
14. Scareware:
o Definition: Malware that tricks users into believing their system is infected or
compromised, prompting them to download and pay for unnecessary or
malicious software.
o Propagation: Displayed through fake security alerts or pop-ups.
o Example: A pop-up claiming the user’s system is infected and offering to
"clean" it with a paid tool.
15. Rogue Security Software:
o Definition: Fake antivirus software designed to trick users into thinking their
system is infected and convincing them to pay for its removal.
o Propagation: Often distributed through fake warnings or ads on malicious
websites.
o Example: A rogue antivirus program that claims to detect threats and prompts
the user to purchase the full version for removal.
Types of Malware Based on Purpose or Functionality
1. Destructive Malware:
o Definition: Malware designed solely to destroy data or disrupt operations.
 o Example: Wiper malware that deletes files and renders a system unusable,
such as the Shamoon malware.
2. Stealth Malware:
o Definition: Malware that hides its presence to avoid detection by antivirus
software or security measures.
o Example: Rootkits or advanced persistent threats (APTs) designed to stay
hidden for long periods.
3. Financial Malware:
o Definition: Malware targeting financial information or transactions to steal
money or credentials.
o Example: Banking Trojans like Emotet or Zeus, which steal online banking
credentials.
4. Spyware Malware:
o Definition: Malware focused on monitoring and collecting information from
the victim’s system.
o Example: A keylogger tracking and recording user activity, such as login
credentials.
Hybrid Malware:
• Definition: Malware that combines characteristics of multiple types of malware,
making it more versatile and dangerous.
• Example: A Trojan that also drops ransomware or spyware onto the system after
initial infection.
Types of Malware
In cybersecurity, malware comes in various forms, each designed to compromise systems,
data, or networks. Here are the key types of malware:
1. Virus
• Definition: A malicious code that attaches itself to a legitimate file or program and
spreads when the infected file is executed.
• Propagation: Requires user action (e.g., opening a file).
• Example: File-infecting viruses like the Melissa virus.
2. Worm
• Definition: A self-replicating malware that spreads automatically through networks,
without user interaction.
• Propagation: Exploits network vulnerabilities.
• Example: The WannaCry worm, which spread globally.
3. Trojan Horse (Trojan)
 • Definition: Malware disguised as legitimate software but enables unauthorized access
or damage when executed.
• Propagation: Delivered through fake downloads or phishing emails.
• Example: Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that allow attackers to control a system.
4. Ransomware
• Definition: Malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for the
decryption key.
• Propagation: Phishing emails, malicious websites, or software vulnerabilities.
• Example: The CryptoLocker ransomware.
5. Spyware
• Definition: Malware that secretly gathers information from a system, typically for
malicious purposes.
• Propagation: Bundled with legitimate software or through malicious downloads.
• Example: Keyloggers that capture keystrokes to steal passwords.
6. Adware
• Definition: Malware that automatically displays or downloads unwanted ads, often
bundled with free software.
• Propagation: Downloaded alongside legitimate software.
• Example: Pop-up ads redirecting users to malicious websites.
7. Rootkit
• Definition: A type of malware designed to provide remote access to a system while
hiding its presence.
• Propagation: Exploits vulnerabilities or is installed by other malware.
• Example: Rootkits used to mask other malware, making it difficult to detect.
8. Keylogger
• Definition: Malware that records keystrokes to capture sensitive information such as
passwords and credit card details.
• Propagation: Installed via Trojans, phishing, or malicious downloads.
• Example: A keylogger capturing login credentials.
9. Botnet
• Definition: A network of infected devices (bots) controlled by an attacker, often used
for launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
• Propagation: Infected devices are recruited into a botnet via malware.
• Example: The Mirai botnet, which attacked IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks.
10. Backdoor
• Definition: Malware that creates a hidden method for attackers to access a system
bypassing normal authentication mechanisms.
• Propagation: Installed by other malware, phishing attacks, or exploiting
vulnerabilities.
• Example: Backdoor malware providing remote control of a victim’s device.
11. Fileless Malware
• Definition: Malware that operates in memory without leaving traces on the file
system, making it harder to detect.
• Propagation: Exploits vulnerabilities in legitimate applications.
• Example: Malware injected into system memory through trusted software like
PowerShell.
12. Cryptojacking
• Definition: Malware that hijacks a system’s resources (CPU, GPU) to mine
cryptocurrency without the user’s consent.
• Propagation: Malicious websites or infected software.
• Example: JavaScript-based cryptojacking scripts running in browser tabs.
13. Logic Bomb
• Definition: A malicious code that remains dormant until triggered by a specific event
(e.g., a date or user action).
• Propagation: Hidden within legitimate software or planted by insiders.
• Example: A logic bomb set to delete data on a specific date.
14. Scareware
• Definition: Malware that tricks users into believing their system is infected,
prompting them to buy fake security software.
• Propagation: Displayed via fake pop-ups or ads.
• Example: Fake antivirus programs that prompt users to pay for "removal" of non-
existent threats.
15. Rogue Security Software
• Definition: Fake antivirus software designed to trick users into thinking their system
is infected, then charging them for its removal.
• Propagation: Through fake warnings and malicious ads.
• Example: Rogue software that mimics legitimate antivirus programs but installs
malware instead.
16. Wiper Malware
 • Definition: Malware designed to destroy data on a victim’s system, rendering it
unusable.
• Propagation: Delivered via phishing emails, software vulnerabilities, or malicious
downloads.
• Example: The Shamoon malware, which targeted organizations in the Middle East.

Conclusion
Understanding the different types and classifications of malware is critical for developing
effective defense strategies in cybersecurity. Each type of malware presents distinct
challenges, and attackers often use combinations of these malware types to achieve their
goals. Effective cybersecurity practices involve staying vigilant, using up-to-date software,
and educating users to avoid falling victim to these threats. Each type of malware poses
unique challenges, and attackers often combine multiple malware types to achieve their goals.
Understanding the different types is essential for effective defense in cybersecurity, and
protecting systems requires a multi-layered approach, including user education, updated
software, and strong security protocols.