What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Computer?
Malware is a term used to describe a number of malicious software variants, including viruses, ransomware, spyware and more. These threats infect computers, mobile devices and other connected endpoints, disrupting users’ daily workflow and compromising their privacy.
Viruses are the most common type of malware. They are self-replicating and spread quickly between computers on a network. They infect websites, corrupting content and preventing users from accessing them.
Worms are also a common form of malware. They replicate themselves on a device and can spread to other infected machines, creating networks that quickly grow in size as they move between connected devices.
Trojans are a type of malware that disguise themselves as legitimate programs in order to trick users into installing them. Once installed, they act as a backdoor on your computer, allowing the attackers to gain unauthorized access to your system. They can steal financial data or install other forms of malware, often ransomware.
Rootkits are a form of malware that gives an attacker administrator privileges on your system. This can help an attacker snoop through your sensitive information like passwords, text messages, call history and photos.
Cryptojacking (malicious cryptomining) is an emerging threat that allows hackers to use people’s personal devices to mine cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. These attacks often exploit a zero-day vulnerability in an application that is currently unpatched.
Aside from its impact on a user’s digital life, malware can also infect a business’ operations and network infrastructure. Businesses are a prime target for cybercriminals because they have multiple connected devices, each with their own unique data and security needs.