When you hear the word malware, it likely brings to mind not-so-nice thoughts. The term stands for malicious software that hackers use to cause disruptions, steal information and damage systems. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware and spyware. Cybercriminals install these programs on devices and networks without the users’ knowledge.
Worms
Worms are among the most widespread types of malware. They’re independent programs that replicate and spread between devices on a network, usually without the host’s awareness. Cybercriminals often use worms to encrypt files and demand ransom for their return. Some worms are also known for altering data and stealing sensitive information.
Computer worms can be transferred through software vulnerabilities, malicious email or instant message (IM) attachments, compromised USB drives and peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. They can duplicate themselves repeatedly, draining system resources such as bandwidth and hard drive space. They can also alter and delete data files, inject more malware onto a device, or pave the way for hackers to access systems by installing backdoors.
Some worms are disguised as media files, such as PDF and MP3 files, while others target specific environments like industrial control systems. For example, Stuxnet, one of the most damaging worms, injected itself into supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems used to run power stations, water supply boards and sewage plants. Another type of worm, crypto worm, encrypts files on the victim’s computer and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Signs of a worm infection include your computer running slow, more emails and IM messages in your inbox than usual, or less available storage space.
Viruses
Any software or file intended to take advantage of electronic devices, steal confidential information, or enslave data is considered malware. But what is malware in computer? Malware occurs in an astonishingly wide variety of forms and is the primary tool most threat actors use. From toxic code snippets to self-replicating apps, it can hide within seemingly legitimate software programs or popular collaboration tools. A polymorphic virus, for example, regularly changes its surface appearance while retaining the algorithm inside, subverting detection by traditional anti-virus tools. One of the earliest types of malware is a virus, which hides bits of code in other executable programs and takes control of different programs to spread its infection. Viruses often erase important data, disrupt computer functions or even take over entire systems. Worms, similar to viruses but can replicate independently without the help of other programs, are another type of malicious software that can cause serious damage.
Other forms of malware can be introduced through websites, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, and email attachments. Cybercriminals can also use the backdoor behavior of certain software to gain unauthorized access to a system or network and steal confidential information via keyloggers. A particularly dangerous and prevalent malware is ransomware, which locks victims out of their devices or information until they pay a fee. Businesses can recognize assaults, find malware, and stop it before it poses a hazard, thanks to Fortinet.
Ransomware
Cybercriminals use malware to damage, steal and disrupt information or systems. It can be spread via USB drives, popular collaboration tools and drive-by downloads that infect systems without the user’s knowledge or approval. Hackers use phishing emails, fake advertisements and other social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading or clicking on malicious programs. Ransomware is a popular form of malware that locks down an infected device or data and demands money from victims to unlock it. Attackers encrypt the victim’s files and show them instructions to pay a fee, typically in virtual currency. The demand for payment may vary depending on the severity of an attack, and if the victim pays, it doesn’t guarantee the attacker will restore their data.
Home users are often the most lucrative targets for ransomware attacks because they lack cybersecurity education and fail to invest in need-to-have solutions or keep their software up to date (despite nagging from security specialists). Businesses are also frequent victims of ransomware because it can cripple critical systems and hurt brand image, which increases the chances that attackers will get paid. Ransomware can infect entire systems, including servers and cloud-based file-sharing platforms, resulting in extensive downtime and expensive data recovery.
Spyware
Malware has a long history of evolving alongside the technology businesses adopt. Email developed alongside virus-based attacks, and spyware emerged as more people accessed the internet. Some cybercriminals use spyware to collect a user’s information, like login data and browsing behavior. Other types of spyware take over a device and perform functions without the user’s consent, such as scanning files and sending this information to cybercriminals or selling it to other parties.
While Apple iOS devices are generally less prone to malware infections than Windows PCs, they can still be compromised. Cybercriminals use the same tactics to target them as they do with Windows systems, including attaching malicious links or files in emails or text messages. They can also install apps that pose as legitimate ones, such as those available on the App Store. Most malware strains rely on human action to function, and most require the recipient to click or open something to initiate their attack. It might be an email attachment that is a link or executable file or a message from a friend via instant messaging or social media. Some, like worms and viruses, can spread from machine to machine and even through networks; others need to be introduced to a system by an unsuspecting human, such as through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.
