What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Computer?
Malware – Short for malicious software, malware is the term that covers all kinds of apps or software designed to damage, contaminate and steal sensitive information from an electronic device. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and more.
The most common forms of malware spread through email attachments and malicious downloads, although they can also be delivered via social media and instant messaging. They’re particularly common on mobile devices, which are a popular target for cybercriminals.
Viruses are one of the most basic types of malware, and they’re easily detected by anti-virus programs. However, some malware is a bit more complex. For example, a Trojan is an entrapment program that tricked computer users into installing it on their systems.
Worms are self-replicating programs that can infect systems, causing a wide range of problems. They can slow down computer speed, block access to websites, and more.
Rootkits are other forms of malware that provide privileged access to the system, giving the threat actor control over the computer. They may hide themselves in the operating system, which makes them harder to detect.
Adware and spyware are other forms of malware that can collect information from a user without their knowledge. This includes credit card numbers, passwords and more.
Ransomware is another form of malware that holds files or data on a device hostage until payment is made. It’s one of the most serious and dangerous types of malware, often affecting businesses, hospitals and municipalities.