What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Computer?
Malware is a blanket term that covers viruses, trojans, rootkits, backdoors and other malicious software threat actors use to gain entry into systems and networks. Once inside, malware may spread, harvest, spy, harm or perform other tasks depending on the attacker’s goals.
The most common type of malware is a virus. Viruses alter a system’s normal operations, often spreading to other computers and devices on the same network by sending malicious download links via instant messaging (IM) or other communication platforms. Viruses can also accept commands from an attacker, providing them with more control over infected systems.
Backdoors and RATs are malware that provide privileged access to a system, typically hiding from the user, other software programs on the infected device and even the operating system itself. Trojans are malware that collect information and send it to the attacker, often seeking usernames and passwords or credit card details.
Spyware tracks a system’s online activities and sends the data to the attacker, typically displaying pop-up or banner advertisements on webpages visited by the victim. Adware is a subset of spyware that gathers browsing and download history to deliver targeted ads.
Some forms of malware can even run a system’s processing power, stealing computing resources and earning cryptocurrency in the process (known as cryptojacking). Ransomware is another form of malware that holds a device or its data hostage until a payment is made.