Malware And It's Types

 Malware (Malicious Software)

It is any type of software designed to intentionally harm or exploit a computer system, network or device. Malware can take many forms, and its often spread through email attachments, infected websites, or other methods that trick users into downloading and installing the software.

Common types of Malware

1. Virus

A virus is a type of malware which has capability to replicate itself and spread to other computers. Once a virus infects a computer, it can cause damage to the system or steal personal information.

Example - The "ILOVEYOU" virus that spread through email attachment in 2000 is one of the most famous computer virus attack. The virus was masked as a love letter, and when users opened the attachment, it infected their computer and then spread to other computer in the network.

2. Worm

A worm is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread without the need for a host program. Worms can spread quickly and cause damage to the computer system.

Example - The "CONFICKER" worm which emerged in 2008, infected million of computer worldwide. The worm exploited a vulnerability in the windows operation system and spread through network connections.

3. Trojan Horses

A trojan horse is a type of malware that is masked as legitimate software, but actually contains malicious code that can harm a computer system or steal personal information.

Example - The "ZEUS" trojan was designed to steal banking credentials from infected computer. The malware was often spread through email attachment or infected website.

4. Ransomware

It is a type of malware that encrypts file or drive on a computer system and demands payment in exchange of decryption key.

Example - The "WannaCry" ransomware attack in 2017 affected hundred of thousands of computer worldwide. The malware exploited a vulnerability in the windows OS and demanded payment in Bitcoin in exchange of decryption key.

5. Adware 

Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted ads on computer system and it usually slow down your system and it is difficult to remove adware.

Example - The "Superfish" adware which was pre-installed on some Lenovo laptops in 2015, displays unwanted advertisement and made the affected laptop or system vulnerable to attack.